I think this is the first time I’ve voted in my local body elections.
I can’t say I really understand how local boards work, but I plan to be staying put for the indefinite future and so, I’m more invested in my community than I ever have been.
Observations:
Young candidates, at least in my area, have no idea how to sell themselves. I ain’t going to vote for you just because you’re young! Tell me something, anything, about your beliefs, policies, etc.
There’s so much pressure to keep rates (our equivalent of property taxes) low. It’s mentioned by so many candidates, and heck, there used to be a party called Citizens & Ratepayers (now changed to the more inclusive Communities and Residents)! Does anyone care about keeping rents affordable? I’m so glad I don’t have to worry about escalating rents any more – just interest rates.
Anyway. To the links. SO MANY GOOD THINGS TO READ THIS WEEK, YOU GUYS. Hope you have an hour spare!
This week’s links
What nobody talks about when they say DO WHAT YOU LOVE
The economics of dining as a couple
Why I don’t want other bloggers’ financial goals
There’s more to life than being an entrepreneur
Want to earn more? 5 things to do differently
Ponderings on our obsession with happiness
4 financial principles of a healthy relationship
Why you can’t afford low paying freelance gigs
Investing is the savings account I’ve always needed
Anxiety and the hustle mindset
Are those local politicians trying to promise to keep interest rates low?
Every time I think about mortgages outside the US, I thank my lucky stars we have the 30-year fixed.
Council rates. Like I said in the post, our equiv of property taxes.
Thank you for the include! Been reading through some of the others… Some pretty epic articles this week!
I vote someone based on their platforms, background, and their social service activities. It is really the time to make informed decisions and vote wisely again.
I was so impressed by Chloe Swarbrick, though. I thought she did a very good job explaining her well-thought out, balanced policies and advertising herself (& I voted for her because of those qualities!). A well deserved 3rd. I hope she keeps running for things and doesn’t let the loss deter her.
That legalise weed dude is whack. I was so appalled at the Shadows Bar/UoA debate debacle!! Honestly.
Glad Phil won vs Vic, however.
I dunno about your ward, but the young newbies standing for my local board … cringe. Embarrassing reading through their bits in the list in the booklet.
I read some piece that argued that Chloe did a smart thing going straight for mayor to make a splash rather than taking the typical more circuitous route working her way up gradually through boards, and seems like maybe that worked as well as could be expected! Will be interesting to see what she does next.