FLEX your VOTE Burlington,Ontario

Welcome to my first official post on a blog called 'Will Burlington VOTE in 2010?

I am a rookie, so the look and layout will improve as we go.  Why have I decided to write a blog on the subject?  Is it sleep deprivation? Do I just need a life?  Perhaps, but please humour me for at least one post.  Here are a few of the reasons that I wanted to do this:

• As a lifetime resident of Burlington, I have grown to care and love Burlington more and more as I raise my family here.
• I see a city where the balance of those that are 'engaged', and those that are 'disengaged' is not where we would like it to be. 
• I am very interested in the coming election- I think it is a critical one for our city.
• I think much of what we read about the issues (and candidates ) in the 'usual' places and by the 'usual suspects' is not fully thought out, doesnt take into account the average Burlingtonian who doesnt live, breathe, and eat local politics. 
• I believe that the right to vote is a wonderful thing, and that exercising that right can indeed feel quite 'good', immensely satisfying.
• 'Telling' people to vote is NOT enough.  I think when people become engaged, and have a stake, they will vote, but I completely 'get' why many people I talk to, know, and respect could not care less about voting in  municipal election.  Yes, folks, it is true - many just do not care. Id like to help change that in some way. 
• We want to see more than 16% (2003), and 34% (2006) determine the direction and leadership of this terrific city.

So what could possibly have convinced me that I am the right person, some sort of expert that can provide commentary on local politics?  Well, its a blog, and as we know, any moron can blog :)

As someone who is fairly familiar with the scene (but has never been too close), I think I may be able to promote some discussion, bring some questions, insight, commentary on some issues and candidates in a less 'packaged' and generic way that will appeal to the average voter who wants to vote (but does not always do so), and who just wants to know why they should care, and is looking for a reason to do so.

I suspect that this blog will appeal less to those running, or already 'decided', perhaps 'loyal' to a candidate, or already engaged  in the political process somehow.  My entire goal in doing this is to hear from a range of people  that by reading a few posts here, they made the decision NOT TO BE one of the 65% that dosnt FLEX their VOTE in 2010.  Id like to see 1,000 more Burlingtonians vote because of this effort (one has to have goals!)

So what exactly will I do on the blog?  It will be a work in progress, but here is the initial plan.

1. I will write short blurbs on topics (ie- money and elections, musical candidates, ward size and distribution, etc).
2. I will make some observations about what we see happening in the various ward races.
3. I will ask open, tough questions.
4. I will share opinion, and not hide behind others opinions. It is a blog. 
5. I will comment on what I see happening day-to day in the election - candidates and issues.
6. I will strive not to make comments, judgements about things or candidates that I do not know.  
7. Of course,  I will be dry, a smart-ass, somewhat cynical, and humorous.
8. I will try to be creative, and engage as many 'habitual' non-voters (HNV's)  :) as possible.
9. I will always try to blog about what I am hearing is of interest (to the target reader).
10. I will always try to come back to the positive. 

I hope you enjoy.  You have my word  - if this BLOG is a train -wreck, its as easy as hitting one delete button and disappearing until after October 25th!  If you are not in the spirit (gosh, its only august 10th), I hope you get there by September 10th.

flex your vote,
casey c.