Go vote, Calgary

So it's voting time in Calgary, and almost time down south of the border in the US midterms. The single most important thing you can do is actually get out there and vote! Whoever you decide to vote for, get out there and do it!

If you don't go and exercise your right to vote don't bitch about who wins. At least if you vote and your choice fails you know you tried.

I'm not going to tell you who to vote for - that's part of the democratic process - you get to decide for yourself. I do think, however, that a candidate should be measured by what they say about the issues, their plans to deal with those issues and their previous record - if they have one. Not by their race, religion, sexuality or gender, but by whether or not their plans and intentions are going to be good for the city (or state in US).

As someone on Twitter said (I forget who, sorry) 'I'd vote for a transvestite Tibetan Buddhist is she were the best person for Calgary' Or words to that effect.

Two things I look for in a political candidate are honesty and balls - both sometimes in short supply. The honesty to tell the truth about their aims and intentions, their take on the issues and on what issues they consider most important. And the balls to stand by those once elected and try to bring about the changes they promised. Doesn't mean they will always succeed, I know this, life isn't that smooth or simple, especially in politics - but they should stand by their words and try, instead of simply telling people what they think people want to hear in order to get votes and then throwing all those empty promises out of the window once they're elected.

Oh look, we're back to honesty.

We need politicians and leader where what you see is what you get, those we can trust to stand by what they say and try to live up to their campaign promises. We need honesty, transparency and balls (metaphorically speaking). We need leaders who are there for the best interests of the city (or state) and it's people, not just for themselves, their wallets, and their 'special interests'.

And the only way we are going to get that is if each and every one of us gets out there and exercise our right to vote.

Now quit reading and go VOTE!