An election meeting will be held on Tuesday 11 October 2022 in the multi-purpose room at Newmarket Public Library from 7pm-8pm. All are welcome.  

I wrote to my opponent on 11 September 2022 asking him to join me on a public platform to debate the issues and his “track record of getting results”.

I have heard nothing since.

The meeting will go ahead with or without Vegh. If he is a no-show he will be replaced at the podium with a cardboard cut-out.

Without an opponent who is prepared to engage how can we grab the voters’ attention? It’s like clapping with one hand. It doesn’t work.

One fifth of candidates in Ontario go unchallenged

The Toronto Star reports on its front page this morning that one-fifth of all races have already been decided – without a ballot being cast.

The Star quotes Calgary academic Jack Lucas who says acclamations are much more common at municipal level due to the lack of political parties and the natural advantage of incumbents.

The Star’s Ben Mussett writes:

“Even when a federal or provincial party doesn’t believe it can win a riding, it will almost always run a candidate, preventing the possibility of acclamation. Incumbents also tend to fare especially well in municipal elections, which can scare off potential challengers.”

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario says one third of all Mayors, Reeves and heads of council have already been acclaimed.

Seems to me all the candidates running for election deserve a medal – except ones like my opponent who are afraid to debate the issues in public and rely on gilded and fanciful accounts of what they have achieved in office.

Our democracy is broken

Democracy needs constant care and attention – just like my 2015 Toyota. It needs regular maintenance or it will rust up and start to fall apart. If it is not looked after it will eventually break down.

When did it ever become OK not to have election debates? Is this the new norm?

Our new MPP, Dawn Gallagher Murphy, excused herself from the first candidates’ debate because of a family emergency. That was OK. But when she didn’t show for any of the other debates I realised this was a deliberate tactic. And she won – on the lowest turnout ever.

In her maiden speech on 10 August 2022 she trilled:

"To my colleagues, newly elected and returning members on both sides of the aisle: Congratulations to you all. Putting your name forward on a ballot, going through the election process and receiving the support of your family, friends and volunteers is truly a unique experience, one I believe is a test of our dedication and commitment to our communities. Bravo to all of you for your strength, both mentally and physically. Well done."

No mention there about the importance of debates in the "election process".

Turnout

I shudder to think what the turnout will be here in Newmarket on 24 October 2022.

The on-line election will deter as many people as it attracts.

I’m savvy on-line and I know the internet. But some traditional ways of doing things still work and make sense.

When you walk into a Polling Station you are not just exercising your right to vote you are also making a civic statement.

Gordon Prentice 4 October 2022