Consider track records before casting vote

Letter to the Barrie Examiner – September 28 2010
I know that in previous municipal elections the voter turnout has been appallingly low, and I am writing to urge everyone to make a dedicated effort to get informed and involved in this year’s election.
It is important to have your voice heard not only in your own community, but also in the governance of Simcoe County.
Remember, you are not only voting for mayor and deputy mayor, you are also voting for your representatives on Simcoe County council. The council is responsible for administering many, many programs that affect everyone in the county and controls a huge budget of your tax dollars.
Please think back to the monumental struggle we faced in 2009 with respect to Site 41 and consider how frustrating it was to try and deal with our representatives who showed no interest in protecting our water and environment, were willing to let the county staff make critical decisions without any questions and refused to listen or communicate with residents.
We can’t let that happen again.
When deciding who to vote for, please consider their previous track record, their commitment to protecting the environment and their willingness to conduct business in a transparent and accountable manner.
Let’s do away with all the secret, private, in-camera discussions and decisions.
The taxpayers deserve to know what is happening and who is responsible.
Now is your chance to be heard and get involved in your community. Please get out and vote to make sure that those who are elected are people who can be trusted to represent our values and needs at both the municipal and county level.
Linda Reynolds Penetanguishene