Where there are more women, there is less corruption

During the campaign, when specifically asked about balance on Regional Council, I cited this study (released in July 2018): Exclusion or interests? Why females in elected office reduce petty and grand corruption several times. I often paraphrased and repeated the line, “where there are more women, there is less corruption.”

The statement is a sweeping generalization, to be sure. The main argument (with respect to the exclusion theory) is that the presence of women disrupts long-established networks.

Though there are only eight women on what will be a 32-member Council, I am hopeful that – with a nearly 75% turnover in regional councillors throughout Niagara – the long-established networks have been thoroughly disrupted.

Researching the candidates

The list of candidates for Regional Council in St. Catharines is lengthy. There are 23 names on that ballot (Paul Allan has withdrawn, though).

Whilst the City of St. Catharines does list all of the candidates on their website, along with the contact information that has been provided by each candidate, there isn’t one place where one can find and compare candidates’ platforms.

Here are three places where you can read about or see most of us speaking to various issues:

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Advance Polls – Merritton Ward – October 20

It’s finally your turn, Merritton Ward (Ward 1).

Today, there’s an advance polling station in your area for the municipal election that takes place on Monday, October 22, 2018.

Already decided who you’re voting for? Want to cross it off your to-do list early? Going away later in the month and won’t be here to vote? Want to beat the lines?

You can vote today (Saturday, October 20) between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at St. Catharines Museum, 1932 Welland Canals Parkway.

If you don’t live in Merritton Ward and want to vote, you can! All of the advance polling stations are set-up for anyone in St. Catharines to vote, regardless of the ward in which they live. The Clerk and elections staff are all set with ballots for each of the six wards.

So, get out there, and have your voice heard!

Advance Polls – Grantham Ward – October 18

Grantham Ward (Ward 5), you’re up.

Today, there’s an advance polling station in your area for the municipal election that takes place on Monday, October 22, 2018.

Already decided who you’re voting for? Want to cross it off your to-do list early? Going away later in the month and won’t be here to vote? Want to beat the lines?

You can vote today (Thursday, October 18) between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. at Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara Street.

If you don’t live in Grantham Ward and want to vote, you can! All of the advance polling stations are set-up for anyone in St. Catharines to vote, regardless of the ward in which they live. The Clerk and elections staff are all set with ballots for each of the six wards.

So, get out there, and have your voice heard!