Recently HMG asked local authorities if they wanted to postpone their planned election in May - already postponed - for another year.
Our local politicians debated this and concluded that it would not be good for democracy, hence have fed back to Whitehall that they would like the elections to go ahead.
If this sticks, there will be elections this coming May for the county council and some districts; next May will see the election to the "shadow" new unitary councils and the year after the election for a Mayor for Hampshire and the Solent - with the new councils in full swing.
The debate about the future shape of local government in Hampshire, including the election of a mayor, has not really got the heart racing.
Hopefully, as many people as possible have responded to the consultation on what shape the new unitary councils will take.
I may be wrong, but I fear that there has not been an overwhelming response.
As for the elections, generally, unless local government elections fall on the same day as a General Election, only between 30 per cent and 40 per cent of voters go out and mark their cross.
On the issue of engaging people in the debate about local government reorganisations - for most people, as long as the dustbins get emptied, the schools keep going, the parks remain open as do the libraries and the potholes eventually get filled, there is little or no interest in who is responsible.
The current debate about the geographical shape of the new councils has seen a little more debate, as besides people being wary of change, most remain loyal to the closest setup to where they live.
We now await a pronouncement from HMG as to the geographical shape of the new all-singing and dancing councils.
Some argue that this string of elections, although worthy, in practice, may see a steady decline in voter participation.
Hopefully, the political parties will make a real effort to ensure the word gets out to all corners of the county.
Also, that they offer a coherent vision of what and how they would run the new councils.
These new councils will be with us well after the next General Election, hence, just "name calling" or "blaming the Government of the day" will not be enough.
As illustrated by the evidence of councils recently elected, they have found when they get into power, there are really difficult matters that need tackling; like remaining solvent, the rising costs of social care and ensuring that those services that make a real difference to the quality of life are not slashed even more.
In the end, all this change depends on the quality and the commitment of individuals.
It is vital that the councillors we elect have a good blend of new, enthusiastic people and those with experience and knowledge.
Setting up new bodies is an opportunity to think creatively about how services are delivered and a chance to tackle the "same old same old".
It will be the hard-pressed council staff that will have to do all this - including organising election after election.
Some may decide it’s the right time to jump ship, others will relish the challenge.
But please spare a thought for how they must feel as this process grinds on.
Resilience and focus on getting this right must be at the forefront of how all the political parties in our beloved county face these elections.
The throwing of tired political slogans will not be enough.
By Yinnon Ezra
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