What is local democracy?
Is it quiet or is it loud?
Does it only involve a few?
Or does it involve a crowd?
What are the issues that matter?
Infrastructure, programs or taxes?
Can we break through all of the chatter?
Many different perspectives. Some want and some need.
A lot to consider, yes indeed.
Who will benefit and who will be left behind?
Can democracy be kind?
In order to build, you must take part.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to start.
Source: The author, 2026
Lori Lococo is a long-time Niagara Falls (Ontario) City Councillor, and who works at Consult Niagara, which provides Project Management including Election Campaigns and Office Logistics.
This poem was written an an event held to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Niagara Falls Poetry Project‘s website going live. Lori gave greetings on behalf of the mayor and council, as well as reading this poem at the event. She has been a key player in the arts and culture community in Niagara Falls for many years.