THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 87, 11 April 1912, Page 4

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

(To the Editor “Stratford Post.”) Sir, —It is within the bounds of possibility that there are some among the readers of the “Post” who are fully seized of the fact that a week hence nominations will close for the post of Chief Magistrate of Stratford, and that within a week thereafter an election will be held. The direct contrary may r also be possible—the whole or some part of the readers of the “Post” may be unaware of these facts, and facts they are, as can be quite easily proved to the satisfaction of the most unintelligent without any reliance being placed on my ipse dixit. Which, probaOiy, is just as well, as all people who write to the papers under a lighting name are. generally held to be either disappointed men or people of bio substance or character. Of course, people who hold such views arc careful never to state that to their minds the basic truthfulness of a statement varies with the person who makes such statement. But, it being a fact that this election is imminent, is it not tne duty of the ratepayers to demand that they be informed of the possible candidates, so, that they can properly weigh the claims of the respective men ? It surely is. No doubt it is the design of those who contemplate standing ro declare at the latest possible moment, with the somewhat unwise impression that by a vigorous week’s campaign the electors will -be taken off their feet and -will vote without the proper degree of consideration of the really vital issues. And probably at no period of the history of Stratford was there more necessity for earnest consideration in the choice of a Mayor. Up to the present Stratford has progressed slowly, quietly, and by small, well-defined degrees; but the town is now at a critical period of j its j existence—it has come to that point where there is the choice of taking a big leap forward or of taking the first of a series of retrogressive steps by standing still. Some philosopher tells ns that to stand, st’ll is to recede. Stratford, truly, has reached her time of life when she must adjust her pace—her previous pace kept her in line with other young towns, but when the other young towns hhve developed into healthy and vigorous maturity, Stratford must, in- , crease her pace to keep her place. To keep her, place , Stratford - must im-. |ti prove her streets, and qniblic yphyenieuces generally—she must, have pro- „jj per public buildings -apd must be made;generally attractive'lpr, residents.. Othqrwi,s% pijshiiigj towns r lacking Stratford’s geographical advantages will attract tne population which is properly Stratford’s due. And what could be more important for Stratford’s welfare than that she,.; should have a Mayor ■ who will recognise her needs and will vigorously advocate the necessary works. Therefore, it is imperative that the electors should know at once, who will cpn-,. ( tost: the position so that , f they; can calmly, ‘choose, the man who will best * grasp the facts of the, situation a'na,.',‘ H be capable of dealing pyoperly .with , affairs. Personally, 1 have nobody ini . my eye; but as things stand I would incline to suggest that a suitable man t for the position be sought in Midhirst , or Nga’re, as no Stratford ,man seems to think himself capable of winning the seat or carrying out the work.— . I am, etc., , ’ RESIDENT. Stratford, April 11th, 1912.