POST-ELECTION HANGOVER: Guelph had a 45% voter turnout, which was an 11% increase over the 2010 election. Windsor saw the opposite. So they (Guelph) must be doing something right. There are numerous, complex factors that have contributed to today’s voter apathy and disengagement, especially within particular age groups. However, one of the biggest reasons in my opinion is that the current model of centralized governance is outdated—from the municipal level, all the way up to the federal level. Currently, our governments maintain rigid patriarchal structures that, despite their democratic premise and inclusion of women, call on citizens to choose who is going to rule from the head of the table. After that we are powerless as children. Once in place, most politicians seem intent on following their own agendas. This system no longer aligns with modern 21st century sensibilities shaped by the democratizing effects of the Internet, communal experiences, and global connectivity. “…Guelph has demonstrated that cities can innovate. Through its fresh approach to problem-solving and open-government principles, Guelph is challenging the traditional industrial-age approach to local government and democracy. Shared ownership, decentralized decision-making, community engagement have the potential to shift the relationship from “us vs. them” to “we’re in this together.” So… that’s my take on the situation… healthy and progressive evolution must keep up with the times, but old hierarchies always resist and delay necessary change in order to retain their perceived power. While paradigm shifts in organized societies are always easier to recognize and analyze from a historical perspective, we know enough about our world today to understand that old constructs are no longer working very well. thestar/news/city_hall/toronto2014election/2014/10/17/as_toronto_dithers_guelph_sets_sights_on_21st_century.html
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 19:27:35 +0000
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