Today is Municipal Awareness Day throughout
Newfoundland and Labrador. This annual initiative is supported by our
government in close cooperation with Municipalities Newfoundland and
Labrador.
All too often, the work done by Mayors, Councilors and
Municipal Administrators and staff in this province goes unnoticed by
the general public. These individuals often get things done quietly and
efficiently.
It�s not always easy for residents to see all the hard
work that leads to efficient and quality services within our cities and
towns. Municipal Awareness Day is all about changing that. It is about
giving recognition and promoting the accomplishments and importance of
local governance. As September approaches, we know that the face of
local governance may change with the impending election. It is more
important now than ever for us to acknowledge what municipal awareness
day is all about.
This one day throughout the year is supported to
educate the public on the role of Municipal Government and the services
they deliver. It is a day to encourage residents to become involved to
increase community pride and understanding. We collectively aim to
recognize the many volunteers in our communities that help them grow.
And during an election year for the over 280 municipalities throughout
our province, we hope to capture the public�s interest in running for
their local council.
To better deliver these objectives, we encouraged
municipalities to plan activities that involve their entire community.
Some communities will host history days, municipal displays, open
houses, school activities, essay, story, trivia and poster contests,
community development projects and simulated councils so persons within
the community can appreciate how their city or town actually operates.
The Department of Municipal Affairs is proud to
support Municipal Awareness Day through an investment of $15,000 which
contributed to a province-wide advertising campaign, brochures, posters
and mail-outs.
I encourage Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to get
involved in Municipal Awareness Day as it heightens awareness of local
governance. I also encourage all interested men, women and youth to
consider running or nominating someone in the September municipal
elections. The more people who answer the call the more likely we are to
sustain our cities and towns for generations to come.
2009 05 20 2:20 p.m.