So ya wanna be on council...

Tired of watching others make the important decisions in your community. Maybe you feel you can do better and you have the leadership skills the township needs.

Well, now's the time to step up and offer your services. 2010 is an election year.

Cramahe currently has a Mayor, Deputy Mayor and three Councillors. All positions are open, plus one on the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board.

The actual election date is October 25, but if Cramahe follows the path it took last time around, voters will be able to mail in their ballots ahead of the date. Final details of the voting procedures have not been made yet by the current council.

Are you eligible?

You must be at least 18, Canadian, a resident of Cramahe, or the owner or tenant of land in Cramahe, or the spouse or same-sex partner of a land owner or tenant.

You cannot run if you are an employee of the township, a judge, an MP, MPP, or member of the Canadian senate. You are also ineligible if you are prohibited from voting under the Municipal Elections Act or if you are in prison. Any corrupt practice conviction in the past six years under the Municipal Act will also bar you from running.

Nomination deadline day is September 10, but you can file your papers any time before that date.

Now that's all out of the way, you can fill out your nomination paper, giving your name, and the position for which you are running.

And don't think that you can buy your way into office. If you are running for Mayor you must spend less than $12,150.35. Deputy Mayor and Councillor candidates can spend up to $9,650.35.

Are you planning to put up signs? Better check the township election handout which covers signs. In Cramahe it may not be practical. They can only erected on private property up 28 days before the election. Township properties, including roadsides, are out of bounds. If the vote is a mail-in contest the signs will only be up a few days before people start mailing in their ballots.

Now get yourself some good walking shoes, a handout to sway those voters, and get out on the hustings.

And good luck... If you win you are in for four years of challenge and responsibility.