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Will I toss my tuque in this year's election ring or should I remain a student crossing guard at Stouffville's Glad Park Avenue and Millard Street? shouldn't I? This is a decision of major importance. As column confrere lim Mason would appro- priately put it, I’m just another political wan- nabe. However, for fear of drowning in a sea of municipal mayhem, I’m presently unwilling to take the plunge. For several reasons. First, should I run, my crosswalk services would immediately end. A secâ€" tion of the Municipal Elections Act, e-mailed to me by clerk Michele Ken- nedy, makes this decree abundantly clear. Should I be successful. the end would be penna- nent. However, should I lose, I could be reâ€"instat- ed. I’m unwilling to run the risk But a trustee on the York Region District School Board would have been both challenging and rewarding. This won't happen. Fourth, my column- writing custom, continu- ous for more than 50 years, would also conclude. Second, involvement in town politics is admit- tedly not my strength. The fear of losing friends and making enemies damp- ens my enthusiasm. And rightly so. The temptation to toot my own horn would be tre- mendous. Fellow politi- cians would treat me with contempt. And third, wife Jean would file for divorce should I dare touch a toe in municipal waters. So thérein lies my dilemma. I'm dead if I do and dead if I don’t. Without wishing to expose an inflgtgd egp: I honestly think i could make a good councillor. At least, health permitting, I‘d make a gallant effort. Dur- ing the last 60 years, I've learned a lot from watch- ing politicians past and present give of their time and talents towards the betterment of our town. Harry Bowes was a prime example. So is his succes- sor, Richard Bartley. Ward 5 was and continues to be Plenty to lose in election bid ll] 1 or won’t I? Should While grandstanding before the public and press is one thing, walk- ing the beat is another. I’d detest the former. I’d love the latter. well-served. What I don't like is the generaldisinterestamong the rank and file of the Whitchurch-Stouffville populace. It's difficult to believe that, with so much at stake, less than 50 per cent of town tax- payers can be bothered to cast a ballot. Despite the fact our trek to the polls has been extended to every four years from three, it's unlikely the turnout will improve. It's sad. Truth is, unless per- sonal problems arise, tax- payers don't seem to care. Or don’t care enough. Most, I claim, can‘t idenâ€" tify their ward let alone their ward ambassador. lt's distressing. So what does the opin- ion poll say at Tim Hor- tons on Main Street? Roaming Around Some have suggested, with subtle faces, I should go the limit and run for mayor. Heaven forbid. I have enough probâ€" lems chairing wor- ship team meetings at St. James Presbyterian Church let alone con- trolling the likes and dis- likes of some well-known council critics.Who needs the aggravation? in the final analyses, it all boils down to one of two choices â€" assisting 90 kids, three times a day, five days a week or deal with ditficulties affecting 24,000 people over the next four years. Iim Thomas is a Stoujfville rw'dent who has writtenfor area newspapers fbr mom than 50 years. The answer seems simple. Let me continue to do what I enjoy doing most and leave problem- solving up to those who still do that best â€" the politicians. with Jim Thomas Februaylz‘~Much31*,2010 Purchasle any GE Plume major kitchen applunce and save up to 5550'. savmg IS m Profile” ‘ limited time PLUS ~ purChage any -- ‘V ‘ N “ Te from‘bad Saunde Pair STAINLESS Refrigerator 0 GLASS GLIDE- OU'I' SHEWING 0 FILTEBED ICE WATER STAINLESS Refrigerator 0 2.5 GILFT 0 PULL-OUT FREEZER ' SPLIT-SPILL PROOF 0 GLASS SHELVES MSBP: ’2599 ; UP‘W )FILE APPLIAh STAINLESS Convection Oven 0 SELF CLEANING OVEN RACKS 0 HIDDEN BAKE ELEMENTS mum FRONT LOAD STAINLESS Dishwasher - NYLON RAcKIuG - ENERGY STAR ' BUILT IN