Valley Voices survey good, but needs work

There needs to be a tip of the hat to the people who organized and executed the survey for the Valley Voices group who are fighting a gravel pit in Alnwich/Haldimand Township.

It is a sincere attempt to place their mark on this election campaign and represents a good effort as they try to influence the agenda and inform voters. There also needs to be praise given to the councillors who were acclaimed, but also took the time to give their positions on issues. It is a responsible and democratic act, as it provides a benchmark for their actions over the next four years.

This is a very important race and might be closer than anyone can imagine. Incumbent Mayor Bill Finley, who has sat on council since 1977, is facing stiff competition from another political war horse Deputy Mayor Rosemarie Robins.  Finley is not a favourite amongst this group and has publicly and privately waged a war against them, often brushing them off with visible frustration. It demonstrates his inability to work to build a consensus and balance points of view in the face of difficult negotiations. There are several examples where he failed to gain trust when meetings and negotiations were held behind closed doors. There is no love loss between Finley and Valley Voices. If Robins can capitalize on this, she may carry the election.

The survey presents some solid questions and is clear about the answers it expects, a useful tool for those unfamiliar with the issues. It also provides a ranking system, which is not consistently used for each answer.

This kind of community activism is to be commended because the group, while pushing their own agenda for answers, has, at the same time, given voters in this rural community a good look at candidates' platforms. Considering the importance of the gravel pit issue for many in the township, this survey may have more impact than one might expect.