What holds citizens back

In response to the Observer’s Our Observation on Jan. 27, “Shortage of public servants in Maitland”, I wanted to highlight a few observations of my own. I have always believed that the voter should always have a voice in an election. This means that each and every seat up for election should have at least two who are interested enough to make a difference. The trend in Maitland should be a concern to each of us. But we should also understand some of the reasons why individuals choose not to run.

Recognizing that three seats were up for election, granted in part by my own decision, I knew I needed to seek out interested parties to convince them to run. I talked to anybody and everybody who I thought might be interested, irrespective of how I felt they might vote on a specific issue.

During the past four months, I have reached out to many — at the supermarket and at events. I have stopped parents walking their children to school and have even walked door to door in my own neighborhood in an attempt to convince others to run for office.

We were fortunate to have one person run for the vacant seat, however it was the responses I received from citizens that point to the position Maitland is in today.

First, most in Maitland feel that we are on the right course — that there is a commitment to keep taxes low, to realize a new downtown and to enhance our quality of life at every turn. Over the years, Council has fortunately been very successful in accomplishing our objectives — resulting in residents feeling good about their representation and not feeling the need to upset the good karma.

Second, the economy has taken its toll on many of us. Many are out of work and do not have the time for volunteer efforts in any way. Many have their own businesses, where they must work twice as hard to make fewer dollars. And finally, the fear of losing a job forces the average worker to pay attention to that job, resulting in longer hours and less time for their community.

And finally, many are not willing to subject themselves to the rigors and nastiness of a campaign, and could not take the disrespect that sometimes shows itself while one is in the public eye.

But even though this year there is not a lot interest, I believe that will change in years to come. Today, Maitland is fortunate to have Ivan Valdes to commit his time to better our community, and even though they ran uncontested, I am confident that the experience of Councilors Linda Frosch and Phil Bonus during their second three-year terms will make them even better servants in our community.

I sincerely hope that as the years pass, more in Maitland will realize how much of an honor it is to be more involved and to serve your community.

Doug Kinson served as mayor of Maitland from April 2006 through January 2011.