Ottawa Sun
Published: Wednesday, April 28, 2010

A little campaign advice: Know the issues, understand legislation and how files move through council

There are 179 days remaining until we cast our municipal ballots for mayor, councillor and school board trustees on Oct. 25. Community and professional pursuits have given me the opportunity to work with sitting members of council as well as a number of those who wish to unseat them this fall. Combined with my own foray into federal politics in 2004, heretofore is Robinson’s unsolicited advice for this fall’s campaign.

There is no discounting the ravenous appetite for change amongst citizens for new faces, innovation and achievable ideas at City Hall. However, simply riding the wave of change is not, and should not be enough, when it comes to electing our local representatives. While some federal and provincial politicians can ride their leader or party’s wave of momentum, this is much more difficult in the local context.

As I told candidates at a Fair Chance workshop in late March, know your issues, understand what services are legislated and those that are optional and learn how files like garbage collection to bus routes to policing to zoning move through the various bodies of the city council.

In addition, if candidates think the most important decision they make is in the passage of each year’s budget, please don’t vote for them. The most important document which council pronounces upon is the Official Plan (once every five years). The OP drives our transit, service and infrastructure needs which in turn leads to staffing levels, program options, locations of fire halls, and ultimately drives your annual tax bill.

I also urge voters to insist that incumbents and aspirants adhere to the principles of WYSIWYG — what you see is what you get — campaigning. To start, they can offer up current photos of who they are and not Photoshopped, my-best-side-forward head shots or campaign fliers that feature them as they were 10 or 20 years ago. It’s a small point but symbolically speaks volumes to truthfulness in representation.

During debates this spring and next fall, it would also be refreshing to see more civility and respect amongst candidates. Referring to one as my opponent is so old school. Ms. X or Mr. Y is more respectful, your opponent has a name, show respect and call them by it. The recent U.K. election debates — go search YouTube — offer an instructive lesson on this point.

All candidates should also pronounce on what level, range or ceiling of tax increases are considered affordable and acceptable. With austerity measures on the way in future federal budgets, our collective ability to pay for city services will be stretched, and pun intended, taxed, to the max.

Candidates should also be prepared for a feisty and cynical electorate on the doorsteps, but don’t take it personally. At all levels of government, our expectations for leadership, integrity and innovation have been dashed and diminished. Refreshing candour in your exchanges with voters will be welcome. If you aren’t aware of a neighbourhood issue, ask to learn more, listen, do some research then formulate a campaign position if need be.

Finally, dear candidates, build a daily respite into your personal schedule to relax, reflect, read and recharge before re-engaging on the campaign trail. Rest will minimize your mistakes and increase your chances of success; you simply can’t sprint for six months.