The world of politics inevitably brings with it some controversy. But events at the local, provincial and federal level have been testing voters’ patience.
The issues range from the serious, like Senator Mike Duffy’s war of words with the Prime Minister’s Office; to the embarrassing, like a spelling error from Premier Kathleen Wynne’s office which included the word “goverment,” dropping the “n” from government.
Here at home, the mayor and six councilors were chastised by the Ontario ombudsman for what he declared a secret and illegal meeting.
With all this, London residents admit their trust is being eroded, like Justin Biestinger who says “There is no trust in politicians anymore. They are all a bunch of liars.”
Steven Wallace adds “There is a lot of apathy and so they can get away with most things.”
London Ward 8 Councillor Paul Hubert shares the electorate’s dismay, citing that none of those admonished by the ombudsman offered any remorse, “Political arrogance is really sticking in the public craw of Londoners, of Ontarians, and of, in fact, Canadians.”
Political Science Professor Martin Horak believes diminishing trust can be a catalyst for more transparency, “There is such a thing as healthy skepticism. Public officials have to both earn and maintain the trust of the public.”
And Horak says, ultimately, the state of the political system lies in the home of the voters, “If people don’t trust the people that are there right now, they need to get engaged in supporting other individuals in raising the issues that are important to them.”
