Nov. 11, 2000  

Municipal Election

Experience  

The recent experience of the Municipal election had been similar to that one experience when on a pilgrimage. The humility before individuals and masses is a pre-requisite in an election. This in itself is a plus as it brings in sharp view as how one purges the selfish streak from his/her psyche and concentrate on service to the community and thereby to the humanity.  I found that you get this unexplained realization that whether you win or lose you still are a winner in that you revitalize your spirit and become tuned with the forces of service and brotherhood.  I was on a roll meeting many of the Deep River citizens and seeing in their faces an expression of recognition, respect and support. I have walked many streets of the Town in the last few days and also have been on Hwy 17 & surroundings. I have to express my delight for having able to reach out and shake hands and share a story or two with many.  In the past I have walked the streets (as a tourist) of Toronto, Montreal, London, Paris, Geneva, Vienna, Amsterdam, Nairobi, Bombay, Colombo, Georgetown and others. But the thrill I have had walking streets (in the evening cold air of November) of my jewel of a Town (Deep River) really cannot be compared with any that I had at other places. This is my Town and my Canadian roots are here though earlier Niagara Falls would have challenged that. My kids have grown here though Niagara Falls would take credit for their birth.  I saw first hand the mode of living in our community and wide variety of issues. Also, it was apparent that by and large we are becoming a sort of “Empty Nest” community. For many of us our principal home is our main capital asset. If the property value of our homes does not keep pace with general Canadian growth, one day we (especially those of us who may have joined the Senior”™s Club) may not match income with our needs. The growth of Deep River is a necessity and requires attending to. How? There seems to be no simple answers.  Well, our future is still very much tied to AECL and it is important that AECL (together with NRC) be successful in securing the proposed CNF development as well as other Commercial and Research work. The Town, as in the past, should continue to be supporting what AECL is embarking on. We also need to work together and explore the Hi-Tech and other sectors for diversification.  The election campaign has brought me closer to many issues that we in the Town have. With public participation and involvement, I am sure that we can have a progressive community. I have learnt that public input is critical for maintaining our life style and also helping to diversify our economic base and generate ideas for our future growth.  Win or lose, I have won in that I participated and actually experienced humility and ability to relate to many of you and the issues that are of concern to all of us. My gratitude and appreciation to all.  Pravin Shah