Why have manners and being polite disappeared? asks reader

To the Editor:

Would I want to be a Small Town Politician?

Nope, no way. You couldn’t pay me enough to be a politician, small town or otherwise. Especially now, with the hate, disdain, and overall rudeness that people seem to think is ok as they post on social media.

What happened to us? Why have manners and being polite disappeared? My mother used to say, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” This doesn’t mean you can’t disagree with your local politicians, but these people are our friends, neighbours and family. Treat them as you would like to be treated. I don’t know how often I’ve read that our Council is “bought and paid for,” “lining their pockets,” and “what they’re doing is illegal”………………. Seriously! There are rules and regulations, laws – it’s not just a willy-nilly; this is what we’re going to do, end of the story, position.

I don’t always agree with what the Council does, but I ask questions (politely) and listen to the reasons behind whatever I don’t agree with, and, if necessary, adjust my views. Being in politics is NOT an easy job (now that will shock quite a few around town, I know).

For the people that trash talk any member of our Council, shame on you! You would discipline your children for calling classmates names, yet you have no issue doing so as an adult. If you’re not happy with the way they are running our community – throw your hat into the ring with the next election (which, by the way, you could have run for any of the positions with this election, as opposed to complaining on social media that “someone needs to run”).

I’ve been reading articles from CBC on small-town elections here in Ontario – everyone has an opinion, but no one wants to do the work (sound familiar?) Why would you willingly want to deal with the harassment, phone calls at home at all hours, text and email messages, and trash talk from your community members? It certainly isn’t for the paycheque. I guess it’s because they love our community and our hometowns and want what is best for US ALL.

All candidates running for Council have placed signs around town to identify themselves to us the public. These signs are not free, and the cost is covered by the person running. So a word to those who think it funny, think they are aiding their candidate in winning, or simply feel it’s their right to remove and destroy these signs (otherwise known as vandalism). Stop it! Does it really make you feel better after you have done this?

Being civil doesn’t cost you a penny – you can still fight for your cause(s) and support your candidate but do it with manners and decency. Do it as a proud resident of Saugeen Shores.

You can’t please everyone, but our council members do try their best.

Joanne Boucher
Saugeen Shores