In a few weeks, on Oct. 20, Summerland voters will go to the polls to choose the council members and school board trustees who will represent the community’s interests for the next four years.
Elections at this level are important, since the decisions made at the council and school board tables will have significant effects on our day-to-day lives.
The members of council will determine whether a development proposal will be approved and if so, what restrictions or limitations are placed on the proposal
Such decisions affect neighbourhoods and can alter the character of an entire community for many years.
Infrastructure, roads, parks and public facilities also fall under the jurisdiction of our municipal council, and the decisions made in these areas can affect our quality of life.
Since municipal services all have costs attached, decisions about public services also have the potential to affect property tax rates.
School board decisions can be equally as important, and the Okanagan Skaha School Board may have to consider the possibility of school closures during the next four-year term.
Because these decisions affect us all, it is important for the community to take an interest in the council and school board elections.
The choices we as voters will make in the upcoming elections will determine what happens within our community in the future.
Take time to learn about the mayoral, council and school trustee candidates. Examine their platforms and consider their positions on the issues important to you.
And most importantly, take time to vote in this election.
In past years, the voter turnout for municipal elections in Summerland has been around 50 per cent, but some of the elections have been close.
The last mayoral race in Summerland was decided by just 77 votes. The council race was also close, with one of the positions decided by just 45 votes.
The decisions we make in the upcoming election will affect the decisions that will be made on our behalf for the next four years.
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