Why I'm Campaigning Differently

I’ve had a few people ask me about my campaign, particularly why I’m not out knocking on every door, putting up lawn signs or dropping flyers into every mailbox.

The simple answer is: I don’t really believe that’s what an election should be about. I know that’s probably not the conventional way to run a campaign. But I’m not particularly interested in doing things just because that’s the way they’ve always been done.

I’m also just a regular person. I work. I pay my rent. I pay my bills. I have responsibilities and, like everyone else, a lot of my time is consumed just trying to keep up with everyday life, just like many of you..

I don’t have a political machine behind me. I’m not independently wealthy. I can’t spend my days campaigning. And honestly, I don’t think that should be a requirement for someone who wants to serve their community.

I don’t need my name on 500 lawn signs to prove I’m running. And I don’t think putting my face on a piece of paper and putting it in your mailbox tells you very much about who I am or what I actually think.

The same goes for door knocking. I have nothing against it. Talking to people is important. But I don’t want to knock on your door for five minutes, tell you what a great guy I am, give you a flyer and ask for your vote, especially at your home on your time.

That’s not really a conversation. I’d rather have an actual conversation.

Talk about Welland. Talk about what’s working. Talk about what isn’t. Talk about your neighbourhood, your concerns, your ideas and what you think council should be paying attention to. And I’ll tell you what I think too.

I’m not running because I think I’m more important than anyone else. I’m not running because I think I have all the answers. And I’m certainly not interested in turning this into a popularity contest.

That isn't going to fix a pothole, improve a neighbourhood, make downtown healthier or make Welland a better place to live.

Ideas might. Listening might. Having difficult conversations might. Actually sitting down with people who don't agree with you might. That's what I’m interested in.

I also have limited time and resources, and I’d rather put them somewhere I think they’ll actually accomplish something.

So instead of spending thousands of dollars on signs and flyers, I’d rather spend my time writing, listening and putting ideas out there.

You may agree with me. You may not. That's fine. Actually, I’d prefer that you think about it and make up your own mind.

I’m not asking you to vote for me because you recognize my name. I’m asking you to look at what I’m saying, look at what I believe, look at the issues I’m talking about and decide whether you think I would represent you well. That seems like a much better reason to vote for someone.

So no, you probably won’t see my face on every street corner. You might not get a flyer from me. And I probably won’t be knocking on your door. But if you see me around, talk to me.

That’s the campaign I want. Less politics. Less personality. Less popularity. Less noise. More conversation. More listening. More ideas.

And maybe that's what an election should be about in the first place.