Municipal Politics
Politics (and politicians) are come in all shapes and sizes. I must admit I find it amusing how people act and react to politics.
You see, in Canada, we have three main levels of government; federal, provincial and municipal, each with it's own role in picking the pockets of citizens.
Every citizen with a whit of political interest knows who their federal representative. For instance, my local member of parliament is Russ Hiebert, a Conservative. Before the 2004 election, Russ managed to outstrip incumbent candidate, Val Meredith (a Reformer, who'd been the MP since 1993) for the nomination and won the election 2004 and then the 2006 elections handily.
Provincially, the interest becomes a bit intense. My local MLA is Gordie Hogg, a Liberal... but that's no surprise since British Columbia doesn't have a viable rightwing party. Hogg has been the MLA for a long time but I'm really not sure how long. My most distinct memory of Hogg is from a couple years ago when he created a minor stir when he attended the funeral of a local Hells Angel. Things that make you go "hmmmm"...
Municipally, I know the name of the mayor, Dianne Watts, but most of the councillors are a bit of a blur. When their names appear in the local newsrag, I usually recognize them but not always.
My point? The federal government plays a minor role in most citizens' lives... other than that whole "income tax" thing. The laws which generally impact upon us are provincial jurisdiction... but the government which has the most "in-yer-face" powers are the municipalities. Yup, the local government can make or break you AND your neighbourhood with a stroke of a pen.
Federal politicians generally have a larger population base for their electoral base. The provincials are a bit smaller and the municipal politicians are smaller still. Federal politicians tend to be professionals; lawyers, teachers, doctors and so forth. Provincial politicians are often professionals but not always. They're quite often people who've started off in municipal politics and "stepped up" to the "big leagues" so to speak. Municipal politicians? You'll find a combination of local cranks, kooks and up-and-comers honing their skills. I can't recall ever seeing a lawyer running for municipal council... perhaps in the bigger centres but certainly in small towns, it's rare.
So why are we so focused on the Feds? What do they give us that makes them so fascinating?? It's certainly not wisdom!!
Conversely, what aren't we focused on the Munies? The folks who control your water & sewer control your lives. What is it about them that inspires such boredom?
Perhaps it's the focus of the attentions of the various levels of government. Municipal governments deal with the mundane details of daily life (boring!!) whereas the provincial governments deal with slightly bigger issues of economy and law. The Feds operate on a higher level, dealing with the entire nation and the world.
My point? Perhaps Canadians are all dreamers at heart. We want to think about the big picture and imagine our vote (and therefore our candidate) is dealing with the huge issues of life!!
You see, in Canada, we have three main levels of government; federal, provincial and municipal, each with it's own role in picking the pockets of citizens.
Every citizen with a whit of political interest knows who their federal representative. For instance, my local member of parliament is Russ Hiebert, a Conservative. Before the 2004 election, Russ managed to outstrip incumbent candidate, Val Meredith (a Reformer, who'd been the MP since 1993) for the nomination and won the election 2004 and then the 2006 elections handily.
Provincially, the interest becomes a bit intense. My local MLA is Gordie Hogg, a Liberal... but that's no surprise since British Columbia doesn't have a viable rightwing party. Hogg has been the MLA for a long time but I'm really not sure how long. My most distinct memory of Hogg is from a couple years ago when he created a minor stir when he attended the funeral of a local Hells Angel. Things that make you go "hmmmm"...
Municipally, I know the name of the mayor, Dianne Watts, but most of the councillors are a bit of a blur. When their names appear in the local newsrag, I usually recognize them but not always.
My point? The federal government plays a minor role in most citizens' lives... other than that whole "income tax" thing. The laws which generally impact upon us are provincial jurisdiction... but the government which has the most "in-yer-face" powers are the municipalities. Yup, the local government can make or break you AND your neighbourhood with a stroke of a pen.
Federal politicians generally have a larger population base for their electoral base. The provincials are a bit smaller and the municipal politicians are smaller still. Federal politicians tend to be professionals; lawyers, teachers, doctors and so forth. Provincial politicians are often professionals but not always. They're quite often people who've started off in municipal politics and "stepped up" to the "big leagues" so to speak. Municipal politicians? You'll find a combination of local cranks, kooks and up-and-comers honing their skills. I can't recall ever seeing a lawyer running for municipal council... perhaps in the bigger centres but certainly in small towns, it's rare.
So why are we so focused on the Feds? What do they give us that makes them so fascinating?? It's certainly not wisdom!!
Conversely, what aren't we focused on the Munies? The folks who control your water & sewer control your lives. What is it about them that inspires such boredom?
Perhaps it's the focus of the attentions of the various levels of government. Municipal governments deal with the mundane details of daily life (boring!!) whereas the provincial governments deal with slightly bigger issues of economy and law. The Feds operate on a higher level, dealing with the entire nation and the world.
My point? Perhaps Canadians are all dreamers at heart. We want to think about the big picture and imagine our vote (and therefore our candidate) is dealing with the huge issues of life!!
posted by Mac at 7:15 PM
4 Comments:
Yes, Federal & Provincial politics are usually more interesting. We are facing a municipal election here in the fall though, and the incumbents are sitting a little too comfy for my liking. I'm going to stir up the pot a bit, with Letters to the Editor and stuff. I abhore complacency in any government.
I love the old saying about how politicians and diapers both need to be changed often... for the same reason!!
Hey, theres your blog. Its not on your profile. I don't know why.
Either way, great blog.
Bout time you started one up....
Thanks, Zac. I don't think I'll change the world and I doubt I'll be a "daily read" for many since I lack the time to write as much as I'd like... but perhaps I'll have a bit of fun!
Post a Comment
<< Home