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2 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville Features and Comments, Wednesday, April 20,1994 tmWm ^tausian Former Publishers • Rev. W. R. Climie, 1854 -1878 • M. A. James, 1878 -1935 • George W. James, 1935 -1957 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited P.O. Box 190,62 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3K9 905-623-3303 Fax 905-623-6161 For 140 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher- John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Richard A. James Plant Manager - Donald J. Bishop Ad. Manager - Brian C. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Rick Patterson, Laurens Kaldeway, Doug Lugtenburg, Sharon McMullen, Barb Patterson, Ralph Rozema, Jim Snoek, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Editorial Laveme Morrison, Eva Westerman Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards Office Angela Luscher, Junia Hodge, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasance-Sturman, Marilyn Rutherford So, You Want to be in Politics If you've always wanted to try your hand at local politics, here's your chance. It's election year in Ontario's municipalities. And that means local seats on municipal council, school boards and the hydro electric commissions are up for grabs. The voting will take place in November, but some candidates are already completing the paperwork. (Actually, the rules state that you have to file with the clerk's office before spending money on a campaign or fund-raising.) So, it's not too soon to get set for a municipal election campaign. As always,'the community needs good candidates to serve in local political posts. This observation is not intended to belittle the achievements of current elected officials. But, the fact of the matter is that elections are all about the democratic process. Therefore, it is important to have a wide range of views and a wide range of candidates. Even if incumbent politicians were the best in the entire world, it would be a good idea to have a hotly-contested election just to allow the incumbents to justify their decisions over the past three years and to ensure that opposing points of view are aired. Maybe you are one of those persons who should mn for local office. Politicians need to have a number of skills and qualifications. Here are just a few of those that come to mind: Time -- If you want a political career, be prepared to spend lots of time on the job. It's not just the meetings that require attention. There are also the telephone calls from constituents, invitations to official functions, discussions with staff and all the other demands which go with a political job. Patience - Much of the time that you spend as a politician will be devoted to listening to other people. This includes the constituent who calls you at 6 a.m., or the staff person who comes equipped with a three-hour speech and an overhead projector. In addition, you have to be prepared to listen to political colleagues, who might also have three-hour speeches of their own. All of this takes patience. Especially when the constituent, staff member or fellow-politician is expressing a point of view with which you strongly disagree. Speaking ability - You don't need to be a Winston Churchill in the oratory department But, you ought to be able to think on your feet and express your views with clarity and conciseness. The ability to learn - Nobody can predict what issues will become the hottest topics over the three years you will spend in municipal politics. The issues which you care about most strongly might be replaced with totally new ones. As a neophyte politician, you will have to learn the nuts-and-bolts about how a municipality works. But afterwards, you'll find that each new issue brings forth a whole new learning experience. An interest in people - Politics is about people, not things. You will be called upon to treat even the most obnoxious people with courtesy and respect. If you genuinely like people, you'll love politics. And you'll probably get re-elected. A willingness to serve -- All too often, an individual who considers offering their services as an elected official imagines that he or she will be able to immediately make huge changes in the community. Such goals are understandable. But, they aren't realistic. People who think a political position will allow them to carve their ideas into a community will shortly run into the brick wall of political reality. Remember that if you become a town councillor, school board member or hydro commissioner, you will have just one vote among many. Politics operates by consensus, compromises, and trade-offs. And all decisions are subject to by-laws, federal legislation, provincial legislation, environmental reviews, budgetary constraints, and (of course) the day-to-day views of the constituents themselves. People who become politicians because they want the power and the authority will quickly discover just how limited that power and authority is. On the other hand, those who have a genuine interest in solving problems, serving the public, exercising good judgement and making modest improvements in their community, will find politics rewarding. Perhaps, you are one of those people. RPN Day to be Held on May 13 Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing, to request your assistance assistance in conveying the following message to the people of Durham Region. Region. May 13, is RPN Day, the day set aside to recognize the contribution of 35,000 Registered Practical Nurses (formerly Registered Nursing Assistants) Assistants) to the health care system in Ontario; Ontario; and 1994 marks the first year RPNs celebrate this day with their new official title. With the increasing complexity of health care, and an emphasis on community-based community-based services, the skills of RPNs arc in great demand. Their traditional traditional role as integral partners in hospital and long term care is expanding expanding to encompass a community- based need. RPNs arc being asked to provide service in home care pro grams and support services, health departments doctor's offices, foot care clinics, industrial settings and health education in the school system. system. As our 1994 slogan says, RPNs are "the hands-on nurses" in health care. On May 13, RPN Day, local Registered Registered Practical Nurses will be conducting conducting a free blood pressure clinic at Five Points Mall, Oshawa, Ontario. RPNs have a tremendous impact on the health of everyone. Everyone is invited to show their support and appreciation for their local RPNs by participating in RPN Day activities. Sincerely: Sheila Arsenault President Lakeview Chapter Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario The "Goodies for Guns" Concept Has a Few Flaws "■^iv.oOoVl • statesman - We Asked -- Do you agree with the beautification program at the Bowmanville Recreation Complex? i xz c> • J .. .Ana You Said Alf Annis Bowmanville "I don't know why they would consider paying $750,000 for that when we have people who are just starving in this economy?" Helen Somerville Bowmanville "It would appeal to people and encourage them to use the Centre more. But, I'd like to see them do something something about a lakefront park." Derek Nawrot Bowmanville "I'd like to see them do something about future expansion such as another ice pad." Laura Pomfret Bowmanville "I think it would be good for the community community in a way, but there may be more important important issues." Next week's question: Are vou in iavour ot sending Canadian Peacekeepers to Bosnia?