Six days.
That is how much time remains between the publication of this newspaper and Election Day.
Over the past few editions, we at the newspaper have worked hard to try and profile every candidate running for public office in all of the four governing bodies we cover.
There are only so many pages, and in addition to all the election coverage we are still dedicated in reporting local news, arts and sports.
In last week’s edition, we had a mammoth spread profiling each of the 12 candidates for town council. Just reading the 200-word profile of each candidate is not enough to make an informed decision of who will be your elected officials for the next four years.
Look back in our archives. We’ve been covering many of these people for years. Do your own research, too. Get outside to the local coffee shop, meeting space or hockey rink and talk. Find out who is the most qualified to serve the next four years as an elected official for you.
Often, the school board of trustees is the forgotten governing body. The decision of who serves as school board trustee is just as important for you as your town, county or village council. Trustees make big decisions that impact education, and therefore our society’s future. So do not forget about making an informed decision for school board trustees, as well.
In the 2013 municipal election for the town, only seven candidates ran, and 808 showed up to vote.
Last month, the municipal inspection report of the Town of Athabasca was released showing the town had been managed in “improper, irregular, or improvident manner.”
While sometimes it may seem a single vote does not hold very much power, the democratic right to vote really does determines the future of your community. It is within your grasp to determine whether the town, county, school board or village is managed improperly, or whether it flourishes.
Many people around the world do not have the fortune to live in a society where they can determine who will lead. So six days from now, use that privilege and vote. Until then, do the research required to make an informed decision.
