The Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin wrote an article about the impact of social media in this election. Nobody can really know for sure if Facebook and Twitter will replace door-to-door campaigning until the results are all in, but it could prove to be important at least among younger voters.

Looking at the two people vying for the Mayor's seat, Steven Fishman and incumbent Cal Patterson, shows just how different the landscape is in this election. Patterson has a website which he uses as a digital brochure while Fishman has adopted a more interactive style.

Donna Mullen has withdrawn her bid to become Deputy Mayor. Ms. Mullen, a mortgage specialist has said that her business is very busy and she is concerned that she would not be able to meet the time commitment for council duties.

We have also learned that Sam Moncada of River Road East has joined the race as a council nominee. Mr. Moncada was not available for comment.

Team Players or Bitter Rivals?

Running for any public office can be interesting and challenging. You can learn a lot about human nature.

In the 2003 Wasaga Beach Municipal Election the slogan could have been "throw the bums out!" It was my first election. I went door to door, shook hands, gave out brochures and listened as people expressed their anger at what they perceived to be an "old boys network" in our political system. There is always a healthy dose of skepticism and discontent during elections but this went way beyond mere dissatisfaction. Residents were ready for change and you could feel a division between friends and neighbours as they took their respective sides. 

The Politics of Being Vague

Before you begin to read this editorial I must disclose that I am running for Council. Most visitors to this website already know this, but each time I write an article about this 2010 election, I will be sure to declare this fact so that there is no confusion.

In spite of the fact that I am a candidate, I am still a voter. As a voter, taxpayer and long time member of this community, I am always intrigued at the methods people use to become elected. Where are their platforms?