The Similkameen News Leader
Editorial
September 23, 2008
HOW I WOULD WIN THE ELECTION - PART 9
As we slowly draw closer to municipal election time, more names and faces are starting to come out of the woodwork and so far I'm not hearing much about specific issues the candidates are supporting.
So, once again, I'm am offering another part in my ongoing series on how to win a seat on Princeton Town Council.
Let's talk about the Town Square Project.
Personally, I think it'll greatly enhance the downtown core. Additionally, I think the current Town Council made a brilliant decision (credit also to whoever else in Town Hall assisted with this gem) to have the Town Crew do the work.
The brilliance from this decision comes from many angles. I think it sends a strong message to those who submitted bids for the job to sharpen their pencils next time because - guess what - Town Hall has a Plan B.
Secondly, I think it's a great way to showcase the talents of the Town Crew and the others working on the project...and finally, it provides those working on the project an opportunity to take Oownership' of a local project that will give them a sense of pride once the job is done.
I'd be very surprised if the Town Square will ever be covered in litter or graffiti once everyone involved has their name displayed after the project is completed.
But what about the handful of businesses who are forced to suffer with less traffic and construction hazards while the work is being done? It's not fair to them to have to lose business while this is going on.
Yes, I truly believe the end product will be worth the trouble in the long run, but there's a handful of votes sitting there that could go to waste.
So, if I were running for the Municipal Election I'd be spending some time with those business owners. I'd be talking with them to find out how much business they've actually lost since the construction out their front door started.
If I were running for Town Council I'd be telling these business owners that I'd be pushing for some sort of relief to assist those businesses recover some of their loses. Maybe a break on their taxes, maybe a small grant to cover some of their operating costs during the weeks/months of construction. Maybe a Ono charge' for next year's business licence. It doesn't have to be much, but it has to show that at least someone notices and wants to make it right.
Future candidates note: it may not sound like much, but EVERY business, regardless of size, plays a part in the local economy. This may win you votes if you actually embrace this concept and get past the other rhetoric that usually flies around during election campaigns.
If I were running for Town Council I'd be offering some sort of assistance to the handful of businesses that, although still have some access available, currently have lost the advantage of regular traffic flow for the time being.
And I'd do it even if it didn't earn me any votes because as far as I'm concerned, it's the right thing to do.
