Paul Hubert has a great post today - I think we all need to start applying our critical thinking skills to the promises we hear during the election this fall.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I’m working on Paul’s campaign team.  But I wouldn’t shamelessly promote this post unless I thought you should read it!

Promises, Promises - Ward 8 Councillor Paul Hubert

On the cusp of the municipal election season leading up to October 25th, we have election promises flying past the electorate. How should we evaluate their merit.  In 2006 I ran on a key value of “Integrity” which I defined as “Doing what you say you are going to do” and “Looking at issues from a holistic and integrated perspective.” Hence, promises for me are commitments to action.

Many have bemoaned the rising cynicism in our political processes. “The tactics of the political game contribute to the pervasive sense that politicians make promises in bad faith. (Quadrant, 2004)” Such promises are linked directly to misleading the public trust. Commitments are made with the knowledge that the delivery will be exceptionally difficult or impossible.

The degree of the political expediency enhances the cynicism and decreases the trustworthiness. Some research has found that almost 78 per cent of electorate believes politicians would “tell lies if they feel the truth will hurt them politically.” Add to the mix the sense that “that parties make calculated promises in order to get elected; that they tend to “…..promise whatever their polls tell them will maximize their electoral success”; and that governments “rarely do what is in the long-term interest of the country if it conflicts with short-term electoral advantage (Emery, 1994).” These combine to make people ignore or disengage from the political process. In fact I believe low voter turnout can be linked to this malaise.

With the above backdrop how do we approach the promises of a municipal campaign?

1. Do your homework. Ask How and When? And then ask again. It is easy to promise and difficult to deliver. Look for detailed plans.

2. Understand any idea must be able to garner the support of at least 8 other members on council. Does the idea resonate with a broad base of support on council?

3. Evaluate the long term consequences of action. What are the implications?

4. If the promise seems to be too good to be true, then be aware. Don’t be fooled by the facile and politically expedient.