Who will run in the many municipal elections in Canada this year? And why?

As the municipal election season heats up, two groups of individuals are making incredibly difficult decisions: for incumbents, do I run again? And for aspiring candidates, do I run?

They are both very hard questions to answer. They are deeply personal to the candidate and family. There are no easy answers.

Let's begin with incumbents. No question that having incumbency is an electoral advantage. Research has consistently shown that sitting councillors and mayors have a distinct advantage in an election. That doesn't mean they can't be beaten; it just means a steeper hill for aspiring council members.

Sitting members of council must consider the wear and tear physically and mentally that serving in office creates. They have to decide if they still have the desire to bring new ideas to light and to keep their community advancing economically and in every other way. They must think about social media abuse, which is so ugly these days. And do they still have the energy and passion for public service?

My own view, after serving with both short- and long-term council members, is that we should introduce term limits. Three four-year terms seem right to me. If you haven't accomplished the stuff you originally ran on in twelve years, it is unlikely it will happen. Give the new kids a chance.

For people wanting to run, good on you. Councils need bright young minds and dedicated community leaders wanting to contribute to their municipality. People of all ages think about running for office; few do. That's too bad, as the opportunity to serve the public is an inspiring one that happens too rarely in our lives.

There is absolutely no shame in running and losing, particularly that first election. Some experience in designing and developing a campaign is often a springboard to another, successful run. You learn things in that first effort.

Political veterans and community leaders need to encourage the next generation of municipal council members. The weary old pros need to mentor their successors. We need to bring back civility, bold new ideas, and high energy to municipal election campaigns so that more voters will get out to the polls.

Thousands of women and men will put their names forward this fall in the elections across this country. Congratulations. And thank you for your service.