Working our way to Democracy. I would call my small attempt at working towards democracy in my first election a success. The people of St. Albert were given a choice. I truly appreciate those who voted for me as trust is a gift that should be held with care. For others who did not vote for me because I had not yet earned their trust I understand as well. I have heard many reasons why people vote for someone(the most signs, first to their door, an alternative, age, race or gender). True democracy to me is when 100% of eligible voters make an educated vote.
We are way below numbers that should be voting. A thought I had that might improve the interest and actual process of future elections could be to have televised interactive forums once a week for a number of weeks ahead of election time.
No signs, no individual advertising and just getting as many people as possible involved in getting to know the candidates. Just a thought.

A great big thank you to all who voted for me. It would have been great if someone more known than myself could have knocked Mr.Crouse out of office. I feel really bad for St. Albert at this point. I am disappointed that dishonesty has prevailed once again. I have learned how important it is for people to get involved and understand what and who they are actually voting for. I am very disappointed with most of the picks for our new council. The couple of genuine members will have a tough go of it.

I still have faith that this election will be a landmark for democracy and voter turnout will be huge. It’s a whole different perspective from inside the political forum and it is far worse than I expected. I have to honestly think that  things cannot possibly be as dishonest as they are currently and not have people see past the screen. Today as I open the newspapers and see how much money has been spent for full page lies. Current council is claiming stellar status  for a job poorly done. Experience at a poor performance is applauded. We have people claiming to care for people they would not a lend an ear to for years past. We have those who write nasty letters under alias names claiming others should be transparent. Stereotypes do begin with truth and members of our current council are about as stereotype as you can get. I still have to believe that the citizens of St. Albert will not be fooled by fools. St. Albert deserves and needs a new council.

I have met an amazingly huge amount of amazing people this week(all ages). One appointment to the next has been both exhausting and exhilarating. I have loved the campaign and the challenge although at times bittersweet. I know in my heart that if I am elected on the 18th, I will be in my element. I love people and it has reinforced my hope that although I have met many negative attempts to discourage and weaken me in this campaign, the wonderful people I have met have been numbers far greater. Thank you for all of the kind advice, hugs, smiles, waves.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. This past week has been extremely busy. I have enjoyed meeting with many different groups and many different ages. Many have provided to me further ideas about ways to improve  bicycle travel, addressing the doctor shortage, housing options and a whole list of other thoughts. I am thankful for the support. I am thankful that people are getting excited to get involved. I am thankful that I am meeting many new and unique people. I am thankful for the opportunity to be running for Mayor. I am thankful to those who have already voted for me.

Today a wise Senior resident of St. Albert mentioned to me that the basis of all good in a community is Civic Pride. Civic Pride promotes taking care of homes, looking after and keeping the community clean. Wanting to have our river clean is about Civic Pride. Caring about how our city is developed is Civic Pride. Controlling crime in the community is Civic Pride. I believe this election time is fostering Civic Pride. People are mentioning they are voting for the first time or the first time in years. People are getting excited about having control and having hope. Civic Pride could be on the rise.

It is exciting how many people are getting involved and looking for change. This election could perhaps be one of the greatest voter turnouts we have seen  in some time. Now this is what it is all about.  I’m loving hearing from the people.

Just over two weeks until election day. It’s dog eat dog time and a time where we will see some true academy performances. Every one trying to shine above the others and the new with a passion to succeed. I watch as platforms morph into a mix of whose idea was this anyway. Current council should not be at this point saying they are going to get to the bottom of something they had three years to do. A kept promise of listening to the people is the only success at the end of the day. Watch the eyes as they speak to you and let’s hope the end result is the beginning of a new success.

Yesterday’s emergency council meeting strongly re-affirmed my reason for running for Mayor. Mayor and Council once again bent to outside interests and totally dis-respected its citizens. The dishonesty and disorder in the method of approach was very apparent. I now have the responsibility to get my best game on. I am not just a critic as I want to make and intend to make things right for the people of St. Albert. I am now aware how our kids feel for try out time in our great game of  hockey. I know I have the strength and ability to do the Mayor’s job much better than he. I know I work much harder than he does and I know that I have much more compassion for people and what becomes of our city. I am honest. I just need to get my best game on at try out time. Political forums are try out time- you have the crowd watching, judging and you have the older more experienced jabbing, taunting, pretending . This politics is a tough game and I know I will have to bring my best game to view over the next few weeks. I want to thank all of the people who are already supporting me, and I will make things right in all of the mess currently going on in St. Albert. To all of St. Albert, please believe that you can feel very safe putting your trust in me. I will win this game, I am the overall better person for the job. I will lead a strong new team.

It is interesting to see council backing down on the vision and strength in leadership rant we have been hearing for oh so long. The power of the vote is amazing and we are finally starting to see result. The fear of not getting voted back in power is causing back-tracking, sudden interest in communities letters that have been long ignored, engaging with public opinion from other than a self placed pedestal view. Can it be trusted, I think not. I suggest we all hold our votes close to our heart. Follow your hearts and follow your instincts and then VOTE. I know I will.