Local Body Voting

We see these all too common headlines:  “Divorce Rapidly Increasing”, “Decay of Religion and Its Values”, “Sports Becoming Increasingly Violent”, “Obsession with Pleasure and Entertainment”, “Taxes and Spending of Public Money Increasing”, “The Dignity and Sanctity of the Home Undermined”.  Where did these headlines comes from?  They were first printed 100 plus years ago by historian Edward Gibbons in a book detailing the social conditions that lead to fall of the Roman Empire.  It’s true – history does repeat itself! 

Yes the Local Body Elections are upon us again.  The signs are out.  Campaigning is in full swing. Soon the votes will be counted, and some will be elated to be elected, others will be disappointed not to have made it. 

Sadly too many are completely uninterested and may not even vote.  They say they’re not interested, and whatever the outcomes it doesn’t matter that much to them.  An understandable position, but a wrong one.  Pericles once said, "Just because you do not take an interest in politics, doesn't mean that politics won't take an interest in you".  Every political decision locally and nationally will have its impact upon us or our loved ones somewhere along the line.  If we do not vote, we have no right to criticise or complain when unpalatable decisions are made by the court in the decades ahead. 

It can be hard to decide who to vote for.  But in my view some issues are clear.  Certainly we want representatives (Mayor, Councilors and Board Members) who are men and women of values and integrity, who support family, and honesty.  We want voices around our city’s decision making tables who believe in the future of our children, who are concerned about the protection of morality, who have foresight, but are also business savvy, practical, pragmatic, innovative, and decisive. 

Who would volunteer to be such a person?  Thankfully many have, (and they need our prayers).  We have the incredible freedom and right to vote, to influence the future of our city and region.  That is something I for one value highly.  So let’s vote to do our part to stop the headlines of history as above repeating itself in our beloved Bay of Plenty!