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Kindergarten lessons to take to the polls

Right around now in the civic election campaign we're thinking democracy may be overrated.

Right around now in the civic election campaign we're thinking democracy may be overrated. Inundated by press releases that say nothing, or worse, are factually wrong, candidates who don't have a basic understanding of how local government works, candidates who squeeze into every photo shoot imaginable - it's a wonder voters can make sense out of it all.

So, we've taken some inspiration from Robert Fulghum, author of All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten, to help advise voters on how to decide who they should support on Saturday. Your choices should be able to:

1) Share everything. Candidates who promise to take resources from others are usually trying to play groups against one another.

2. Play fair. Smear campaigns or falsehoods should eliminate candidates off of your list.

3. Don't take things that aren't yours. Candidates who promise things that aren't or won't be in their power to do should be bumped off your list.

4. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody. Candidates who can't admit that they're wrong at this point in the campaign will only get more self-righteous when they win.

5. Learn some and think some. Candidates who tell you they have all the answers have stopped learning and/or listening. You may agree with them now, but rigid thinking is not a good quality for the changing world/city we live in.

6. Live a balanced life. Does your candidate have experience volunteering in the community, helping others and giving without asking for something in return? If so, give them extra points.

7. Hold hands and stick together. Can your candidate work well with others? Embrace diversity? If they're already lone rangers, take them off your list.

8. Be aware of wonder. Does your candidate revel in the success of others and find joy in people and nature? If they're unable to do this, they need a helping hand, not a political position.