Local government, canvassing, and democratic participation

Complaints about elected government have a practical remedy: stand for office and ask residents what needs fixing. A brief account of service as a borough councillor uses bridle paths and dog-litter bins to show the ordinary scale of local government. The suggested canvassing order is to ask about residents' problems, explain how one can help, and only then ask for their votes. Political parties get into trouble when they reverse that order or assume loyalty. A later comment describes parties as coalitions and advises choosing the closest fit, then trying to persuade it from within.