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A healthy political community is one where people feel government is accessible and responsive to their concerns. In such a community, the levels of political information, political participation, and satisfaction with government actions will all tend to be high. How does Woolwich stack up? Information on these questions is spotty, but what information there is provides food for thought.
Woolwich residents tend to do very well. In the only study that has looked at these matters (a 1978 survey of Waterloo Region and Wellington County), Woolwich residents ranked first in political awareness in the entire sample. Perhaps it is the presence of strong, independent and vocal newspapers in the community, but residents seem to have a better grasp of local issues and responsibilities than both their urban and rural neighbours. Regarding participation in the public life of the community, the picture is more mixed.
On the one hand, voting turnout in national and provincial elections tends to be somewhat lower than neighbouring communities (although voting in local elections is usually about the same). On the other hand, local elections tend to be well-contested in recent years, with spirited campaigns and few acclamations. The Woolwich Healthy Communities Survey also indicates a relatively high level of public involvement in local decision-making: about one in four of those responding to the
survey have contacted their Councillor, have attended Council meetings or have written to newspapers about local decisions.
Even more important in this geographically diverse community is the fact that this participation does not seem to be dominated by any one region or settlement in the township. All corners of the township tend to participate at about the same rate.
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VOICE AND CHOICE: all the ways that people have the
opportunity to participate in the decisions that affect
their lives.
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What you can do to improve Voice and Choice:
- talk to neighbours about the
decisions being made in Woolwich
- vote
- attend council meetings
- organize a delegation to council
- read the local newspapers
- join a local community group in your area
For More Information:
- Township Office: 669-1647
- Sustainable Communities Group: call Joy Finney 664-3794 x230
 
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