A Few New Year's Resolution For My Politicians

I am not normally inclined to make any New Year's resolutions. It has always seemed to me that if one needs to stop drinking or smoking or eating too much - then one should stop doing those things when you realize what needs to be done. It has always seemed more than slightly absurd to realize what needs to be done but then to wait weeks, perhaps even months to do it. Waiting until after we celebrate having survived another year makes little or no sense. However, in the case of politicians, perhaps they need a bit of a push to get done what needs to be done. More importantly, they need to change how they do things and how they behave.

So here are a few New Year's resolutions for my elected municipal, provincial and federal representatives.

1) Stop worrying about the next election - if you do the right thing - people may just notice it and vote for you again because you have integrity.

2) Chose issues to debate and pass - not based on what the vocal minority demand but on what makes sense for the majority of people including those who do not write letters to the editors or make endless phone calls to complain.

3) When you vote - do so based on concrete information. Do not be swayed by the opinions of your party leaders or the press. Our democratic system is based on the assumption that those who are elected have the capacity and the responsibility to look at the issues and to make reasonable decisions based upon the information.

4) Be civil. Surely most of you know what good manners are. Most of you were raised to say please and thank you and hopefully, most of you were taught how to wait your turn. It would make all of the councils, legislatures and parliaments so much more efficient if everyone just demonstrated the manners they were taught as children.

5) Corollary to the above - be respectful of others who have been elected. Assume that they care as much as you do, assume that their opinions may have some merit and need to be listened to.

6) respect your constituents - most of us are at least as bright as you and are capable of separating fact from fiction.  We can tell when you or your party are self-serving.

There are hundreds of things that could go on the above list in terms of what needs to be done including (but not limited to): increasing our affordable housing stock, ensuring that all children have equal access to education and medical support, ensuring that all Canadians have easy access to safe drinking water and ensuring that future generations can live and work in safe, healthy communities across the country. But if you cannot manage to change your behaviour, change how you interact with your peers and your constituents - you will never be able to accomplish any of the tasks you were elected for.

It is time for a change.