Local Elections Are On in Alberta - How Will You Vote?

Local election nominations are now closed and the municipal and school board elections will happen on Monday October 18 all over Alberta. I smell democracy in the air.  I can't say yet if we have more candidates running this time than usual and fewer acclamations -  but I sure hope so.

I want to congratulate and thank all those Albertans who have taken the time to run for local municipal and school board office all over the province.  Our democracy only works if we have citizens who are prepared to contribute their time and talents to serve the greater good - for the benefit of the rest of us.

There is a lot of legitimate disillusion with politics in Alberta and elsewhere these days.  Giving up on politics has the net result of diminishing democracy and that is too dangerous to consider.  Our government and governors  are only as good as the quality of commitment of citizens who stand for office and the engagement of citizens how get informed on the issues and actively engaged in figuring which candidates best align with their values.

While the current elections are local I strongly believe the values Albertans have are consistent with those they look for in provincial and federal elections.  We have the research that shows the values lens that Albertans want their politicians to use when making policy and political decisions that impacts individuals lives.  I recommend Albertans view the characters and content of the candidates campaigns using the same primary values we found from the Reboot Alberta random sampling of Albertans.

1. Accountability
2. Integrity
3. Honesty 
4. Fiscal Responsibility
5. Personal Responsibility
6. Transparency

If a candidate's character and personal qualities do not impress you on these values then find another candidate.  Tell you friends and family you impressions about candidates on there value measures and encourage them to vote their values too.  There are no parties in local elections so you do not have to worry about partisanship.  This election is personal as well as political but about your community and the education of the kids in it.  Everyone needs to be engaged in all aspects of both elections.

Best of luck to all the candidates and as for citizens...best you get back into the political culture of your community, province and country.  To abdicate this duty means you will be governed by the decisions and even the whims of others.  In a democracy you always get the government you deserve - especially if you failed, refused or neglected to vote.

If you want a progressive political culture in the Next Alberta come to Reboot Alberta 3.0 November 5-6 in Edmonton at the Delta South hotel.  Register now for RebootAlberta 3.0 at www.rebootalberta.org