Election Season Approaches

A Candid Conversation By Theresa Grant Real Estate Columnist As election season approaches, I have noticed conversations around our city are starting to change. I am sure that most are familiar with the Facebook groups that cover Oshawa be it downtown, uptown or south. There are several. For the most part I can’t help but notice there is so much negativity and down right nastiness in some cases. When it comes to venting on the way things work here in Oshawa, however, I seem to see a lot of people follow up with something like, mark your ballot, or I’ll let them know in October. That is wonderful if in fact that were the case. Unfortunately, so many don’t bother to go and actually do that. Engagement is so important. Whether it’s a conversation in a hockey arena, a coffee shop or the grocery store, people need to talk about what’s going on and then have their voice heard come election time. A strong city depends on its people to feel connected and to care about the direction their city is headed in. I for one feel that we have a reactive council and that does not serve anyone well. The circular thinking of this council is why the downtown area is what it is. That needs to change. People need to vote for different representatives if a different result is what they want. If you have questions, make someone answer them. We should be investing in small businesses, welcoming new investments, taking care of our seniors and helping newcomers to put down roots. Oshawa is a wonderful city capable of so much if only people would stop with all the negative talk and disregard. While we as citizens don’t expect perfection, we certainly have a right to expect communication and inclusion. An election gives everyone an opportunity to not only have their say but to help shape the next chapter of Oshawa’s story. Make sure you don’t forfeit your chance to be a part of that. Decide right now that your voice is important, because it is! Don’t let October 26th be just another date on the calendar. Get out and make a difference in your community.