Canada is deep into the fall season—football games, the start of the hockey season, crisp temperatures, leaves turning red and gold, and the fragrant aroma of election sweat in the air.

It is going to be a busy electoral calendar in the next year, and that’s one of the reasons we’ve offered our lead articles this month on better financing for local governments. That remains at the core of many municipal problems. It is our overall theme this month in PERSPECTIVES.

We continue to advocate for towns and cities being actively involved in their provincial elections to make sure that the plight of municipalities is discussed—and improved. And remember, the federal election is not far away.

We are delighted to welcome former Toronto City Councillor and now Liberal MP Adam Vaughan to our pages this month. He has written a very thoughtful article exclusively for PERSPECTIVES’ readers on Municipal Revenue and finances. His long background in local and federal politics makes Adam uniquely qualified to offer this perspective.

The well-researched and deliberate report on new revenue options for Canada’s cities, done in 2016, by Enid Slack and Harry Kitchen, two of Canada’s most respected academics regarding municipal finances and governance, is well worth revisiting. It offers an independent view of the importance of new and additional revenues for Canada’s cities. Read the Executive Summary to their full report that we’ve offered to you.

Paul Grenier, a long-time councillor from Niagara, offers a searing personal view of the extraordinary actions of Ontario Premier Doug Ford in slashing Toronto City Council and cancelling four Regional Chair elections. Too often we forget how much candidates sacrifice to run for public office. The stunning court decision that reversed the Toronto municipal election cuts, and then the Premier’s unprecedented move to use the notwithstanding clause has, of course, disrupted the entire election process in that city. It is a mess.

There’s lots more in this edition of PERSPECTIVES. We continue to get wonderful reactions from you, and the many nice comments at the AMO conference in Ottawa were most appreciated. Remember, this is YOUR e-magazine, so send us articles and let us know what your city or town is doing that is unique and other communities should know about. You can even offer an editorial or OP ED piece about something you feel is important about local government in Canada.

Just email us at: perspectives@municipalinfonet.com

Finally, two personal items, if you will permit me. First, for many years I have had the privilege of being a keynote speaker at conferences, events and city halls across Canada and around the world. In September I was the opening speaker for the Municipal Finance Officers Association in Niagara Falls, and in October I was the keynote for the Edmonton Realtor’s Association ‘Municipal Day’. These types of conferences are important for municipal officials. They are not just great learning opportunities, the networking is also valuable. Thanks to the conference organizers and all participants for the warm reception.

And lastly, and I hope you will indulge me in a small brag: after writing seven non-fiction books about local government, my first novel is being released this week. Getting a new novel published in Canada is a long and difficult journey.

“SAPPHIRE BLUE” is a romantic comedy with an interesting murder (I was very surprised who the murderer turned out to be), a gentle satire about life and relationships, and—of course—corruption in city hall. Hey, what else would you expect? The book is a fun and funny read, and I hope you enjoy it.

If you would like your own copy, simply go to www.burnstownpublishing.com or go to my website, www.gordhume.com

Please. And thank you.

GORD HUME