Dear Pentictonites (and everyone, really), if you are reading this, I probably don’t have to tell you why it is very, very important to exercise your civic duty, no matter your calling or situation in life, and vote in elections, or do I? It is very important that you vote in municipal elections. You probably already know this and plan on voting, right?
However, the sad fact is, in Penticton’s last municipal election, only 31 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballot!
That 31 per cent number is very sad. It’s sad because out of all the voting we do as citizens — federally, provincially, and municipally — the most important vote is often the one made in municipal elections. This is your local vote, you are voting for the government and people who have the most effect on your day to day lives: voting on people who make decisions on your property taxes; voting for people who make decisions on what roads to build (or fix); what bike lanes to build and how many; local daycare options, zoning, licensing, funding; how often your street should be cleaned; how our city parks are maintained and managed; what transit decisions to make; how local emergency services are managed and funded; what kinds of stores are allowed here and there; and so on.
By voting, you have a say as to Penticton’s future. Take some time to investigate what incumbents and candidates have to say. Look carefully at incumbent’s past performance. Vote with your conscience and not your heart. Remember four years is a long time. Get out and vote!
Ron Barillaro
Penticton