East Ottawa Star
Published: Friday, October 23, 2009

Sticking to political basics

Over the last few months our community has seen a flurry of good news announcements and consultation events. From open houses on the Lansdowne Live plan to grand opening of the Shenkman Arts Centre, new funding for the health hub and an exciting private contribution to the expansion of the Orléans Y, there is a sense of vibrancy or buzz in our community.  

In announcements and events like these and others, our local politicians are often present to witness the proceedings or they have a ceremonial ribbon-cutting or speaking role to play. Fair enough. From school board trustee to councillor to MP or MPP, at times it is appropriate they speak, especially if funding or some other form of support has been provided.

That being said, I’ve noticed a somewhat disturbing and possessive trend. While some may argue this scribe is splicing words a touch too fine (read: Robinson you’re getting anal retentive in your old age), the words are often a window to one’s soul.

To start, politicians of all persuasions need to stop saying “my ward” or “my riding.” It is not “your” ward, zone, district, etc. They are lines drawn on a map to denote the constituency that you are privileged to represent. And truth be told, your constituents own you. You are their trustee, councillor, etc. On this score, kudos go out to MP Royal Galipeau who often introduces himself to voters as “your servant.” It sounds quaint and hokey, but it is very accurate.

Next up, funds and money. Politicians need to understand they don’t give away money. Governmen doesn’t have money. For government to give you something, it must take it away from someone else via taxation. Again a small point, but an important one in the context of remembering who pays the freight. And of course, while there are different levels of government, there is only one taxpayer.

Now we turn to the issue of baby steps versus grand visions. Too often politicians look to make a big-time impact by pushing forward a grand vision whether it is transit, a community centre or innovative housing project. But the key to long-term political success is mastering the basics of constituency work, hiring competent staff to keep these files humming and then and only then, turning one’s energies to bigger game-changing projects.

And since I've been a touch critical, let me state that our local crop of elected officials for the most part do the basics well.

If there is a weakness amongst most politicians it is in understanding diversity. Our community is fast becoming a home for so many languages, religions and ethnic backgrounds. Of course they will never be fluent in umpteen languages or comprehend the significance of so many cultural or religious events, but a little more effort will never hurt.

Adding some of this counsel to my 101 advice column from two weeks ago should suffice in terms of the basics of constituency politics. My last word for our incumbents and political wannabees: life is too short to take yourself too seriously.