On the eve of a federal election it's worth thinking about the issues we'll see debated over the next six weeks.
The politicians will have their own agendas -- they always do -- but it will be up to voters to tell local candidates what their priorities should be once they head to Ottawa to represent their constituents.
What matters most to you? What are you most upset about? What do you want to the federal government to focus on? What would you like your local candidate to do for you?
All of the party leaders, along with their candidates, will have to face the electorate and each party will provide a platform upon which it will lean to provide a direction it wants to take the country in over the next four years.
Here in Durham-Northumberland, much has changed over the past two election cycles. While there have been some positive developments in terms of growth and investment -- think of the dynamic expansion of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and the decision to build nuclear reactors at Darlington -- much of what has happened has been negative.
Among the top priorities in this area would be the future of the auto industry and the many businesses and feeder plants that depend on General Motors of Canada.
As jobs have gradually been eliminated at GM's Oshawa autoplex over the past half-dozen years, there has been concern at all levels of government about what should be done.
Many have argued the federal government should intervene to protect domestic automakers, whether it be through negotiating a fair trade deal with Korea, or through changes to monetary policy, or by investing heavily in parts and auto manufacturing.
Others have suggested it's largely up to private industry to deal with competition on the world market front and to handle the inevitable problems that arise in a highly diversified global economy.
Whatever your stand on the issue in the decline of manufacturing in our region, the candidates running for office owe you an explanation about what they believe should be done.
You can have your say through newsdurhamregion.com by e-mailing your questions and thoughts on what the priorities and issues should be in this campaign. We'll let the candidates know what's on your mind and get answers to your questions.
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