Dear editor:

The upcoming elections have us all wondering how our town of NOTL will be managed over the next four years. Will we face disappointing decisions or will we be pleasantly surprised by our newly elected mayor and council?

Here is what I have been hoping to hear and what I have not heard from the candidates so far.

Public safety: I did not hear how we will see improvements in our police, fire and emergency services.

Fiscal management and economic development: I did not hear how the new council will strive to maintain a sustainable tax rate, try to build up a reserve and how they will attract as well as retain local business. Additionally, I did not hear how much effort they will place in seeking and obtaining provincial and federal grants that will benefit the community.

Community services and urban planning: I did not hear how they will seek to enrich and offer additional public spaces in the form of parks, town squares, community spaces, walkable communities, zoning and land use and housing for special groups such as young families and the elderly. These decisions are essential to shaping the quality of our community.

Communications and transparency: I heard those two words repeated time and again, yet I did not hear how any of the candidates would ensure open communication and full transparency.

Based on the significant knowledge gap in my information gathering expedition, I am tempted to suggest that we are walking into an unknowable future.

It is up to each of us to hold up the four pillars of town management listed here in front of our new mayor and council on a regular basis.

Let us not get carried away on one particular issue that might irk us personally. The council must be accountable to us on all of the above and they must manage the operations of a town by assigning  adequate time and attention to each of the areas listed.

Today in NOTL, time is of the essence. We are at an important juncture for our town. A thriving community of well-served residents attracts business; the historical and artistic significance of our town coupled with a thriving local community attracts visitors.

Will we (constituents and elected officials) rise up to meet the challenge?

Lydia Madonia
NOTL