Without a doubt, the most important issue facing Carlington residents this fall is the pending Municipal election. As of the time of writing, there is still only one declared candidate for River Ward (which includes us), incumbent Wendy Stewart. I have had the pleasure of working with Councillor Stewart on a number of issues, and I know she has represented this constituency well, at the same time as being well informed and responsible on Region wide issues. I wish her well.
Of equal importance is who will be the Mayor of the new City of Ottawa, and in this contest there are definitely choices. Regardless of your political leanings, we all have an obligation to become informed and vote. This is the time to express your opinions, attend all candidates meetings, challenge candidates with hard questions and read printed material carefully. Carlington voters won't be fooled by campaign sign contests.
This month the Carlington Summit includes as much information as we could gather on the candidates in the various campaigns. Next month there will be more. Please feel free to contribute your thoughts.
Carlington and Ottawa citizens and taxpayers have high expectations of the new City Council. Those will only be realized with the right people in charge.