The Canvassing Contemplation

The door tentatively opened, gasping across the threadbare doormat with little resistance. As it did so, a smooth pale blue wall was revealed, sporadically adorned with photos and holiday trinkets from distant lands. The door, fully opened, revealed a stout middle aged man with greying hair. His eyes scanned the two faces in front of him, then down to the glossy leaflets clutched in their hands.

His lips pursed before parting suddenly.

"You lot have thrown this country into a right mess. I don't think you can count on my vote. Interest rates will go up sooner or later, just you wait."

***

I had been invited to attend canvassing for local district council seats in a Thanet village. Always keen to learn more about the political process, I enthusiastically attended. What I observed further sparked my interest. 

As obvious as it may seem now, the key observation was the difficulty in separating good local politics from politics executed at a national level. It is clear to me that fledgling politicians, especially those younger, need the financial and professional support network of an established political party, yet at the same time, suffer the stigma of association with establishment politics from significant swathes of the electorate. 

The conundrum of representing a national political party whilst at the same time working to present oneself as an individual is a tough one to overcome. As a councillor, the needs of the party, the council body and most importantly, the residents, need to be addressed in a balanced and fair manner. No easy task, especially for someone fresh to the experience. 

To say that the response from canvassing in the area was a mixed bag would be an understatement. A number were not responsive, owing to their general disenchantment with the political system. Others didn't wish to divulge their personal political leanings, whilst others enthusiastically pledged their support for the party in question. Even so called "safe seats" contain a diverse range of opinions, especially from those who feel their own needs are not met. 

One thing struck me above all else. After some gentle conversation, people opened up to the individual standing in front of them, rather than the faceless party they represented. It is my humble opinion that the majority of people who enter politics, do so to improve lives and generate a positive influence in the society around them. The councillors stand before the public first and foremost as fellow residents. People that cherish the success of the local school, fight to keep the old libraries open and organise events to improve community cohesion. These are common goals that are not party political and this needs to be highlighted to the electorate at a local level, for the benefit of all those involved. 

Loud and clear.

***

"If there's one thing I'm not, it's close minded. Ill take a leaflet and think about it."

The door closed slowly before a gentle thud ended the discussion, like a full stop at the end of a sentence. In this instance however, the conversation felt far from over.