Quote:
Originally Posted by HillStreetBlues
I know that this opinion is very common (that’s why turnout is so low municipally- “municipal politics is pretty basic,” so it’s not a big deal if I don’t make it out), but it’s dead wrong. Firstly, most councillors are not “very good” at doing the basics. City staff is fairly good at doing the basics (because the basics are basic! And cities have been doing them for a long time.) Councillor so-and-so is not out troubleshooting waste collection when it’s garbage day in his ward.
|
I can name more than one councillor who gets elected purely because they make sure your garbage is picked up the day after the garbagemen didn't pick it up.
As for your other comment, you're right but I don't think an imaginary ínformed electorate or a fulsome civic conversation is going to be the thing that fixes it. Municipal politics are hobbled by the lack of leadership, both by the absence of political parties and the lack of an executive arm or strong mayor.