Canadians are great complainers. The weather’s too hot, the weather’s too cold. The dollar’s too high, the dollar’s too low. Taxes are too burdensome, services are not adequate. It’s part of our nature to always want to be better, so complaining isn’t always bad.
Where there’s no room for complaint is on election day. Our democracy is not perfect and sometimes the choices on the ballot are uninspiring, but complaining about it doesn’t solve anything. It’s what we are given and to not take advantage of the opportunity is inexcusable.
On Saturday we will elect representatives for the Regional District of Central Kootenay, City of Nelson and School District 8. By many accounts this is not the most exciting election race we have seen in recent times. The mayor’s contest typically sets the tone for all ballots and it never really did get out of the gate.
It’s fair to have concerns about lack of choice and lack of passion, but the result shouldn’t be lack of participation. Like it or not, these are our choices and it’s your responsibility to mark an X. If you don’t, the complaint department closes and you get what you deserve.
Though a bit of a sleeper, there is still time to catch up on the platforms if you happened to doze off during the last few weeks. You might find something that inspires a trip to the polls. At our website — nelsonstar.com — you will find an election tab that provides all the candidate profiles and stories which have run in our print edition over the last several weeks. Check them out and see who fits your vision for the next three years.
With complaint we often look for blame. If you are one of those searching for a better community, you’ll only have yourself to blame if Sunday morning you are not satisfied with the outcome.