Burlington Municipal Election - The Mayors Race.

For those of you reading my blog for the first time, I ask that you remember that I am writing this blog primarily for my friends, family, and network across Burlington who are either disengaged, or just marginally interested in this election.  My intention is to get this to 1000+ people in Burlington in advance if the election - through an extensive email list, my facebook friends, and twitter (which I am becoming increasingly convinced is a waste of energy for candidates, but I digress).  This is my blog.  These are my impressions, my observations, with some basic research thrown in.  It is not an exhaustive and completely unbiased and fair analysis, and is not meant to be.  


I think I bring a rather unique perspective - I have been a candidate myself, I have worked on winning and losing campaigns for others, and have been asked by all 4 mainstream parties to consider running here in town at various times over the past 9 years. I spend most of my time with friends and family that are apathetic or disinterested in politics of any kind.  These are the people that make up the almost 70% that DON’T VOTE.   For those of you that told me you were not going to vote because you didnt care, didnt have time to look at the candidates so you will abstain for the goodness of the community, or didnt believe the people running cared about you – Im calling bullsh*t.  I want you to vote, because I believe that the more people that vote, the closer we come to seeing people that represent US, not just the usual folks that line the south of our city.

So, this is my very preliminary ‘read’ on the Mayors race to date:

Ernest Otieno seems like a pleasant man, and exercised his democratic right, (threw his $200 in, right Jack), but is not a serious candidate.  He didn’t offer much at the Burlington Green evening, so I will reserve further comment.

Philip Papadopoulos is a concerned business owner, family man and citizen, and a very nice man, but I don’t think his platform is broad, focused, or detailed enough to garner serious support for the ‘top job’.

When it comes to the current Mayor, Cam Jackson, I don’t have the same strong feelings most do.  Some say you either love or hate Cam, but I don’t fit either category, he has always been nice to me.  My primary issue with the current Mayor has more to do with the ability of ‘the one’ I want as my leader to influence those he/she works with in a positive, productive way, and to share the sand box. Too much bickering at City Hall, methinks. 

To be frank, I don’t know Carol D’Amelio, and cant think of anything over the past 10-15 years that I see her influence on.  I know about the Tansley connection from way back– which is a terrific resource for Burlington.  I am not saying her stamp isn’t on more, but as someone who teaches leadership and is relatively active in the community, should there not be something I would know about off hand? From what I have heard from others, she has been an active, diligent, reliable councillor.  I wanted to get a better feel, but she was not present at the first debate.  I hope to see more of her over the next few weeks.

The final candidate is one I know well.  I ran for Ward 5 Councillor against Rick Goldring 4 years ago.   As an opponent, he was a genuine, calm, level-headed, and acknowledged the strength of those he ran against.  He worked hard during that election, and has in the 4 years since.  Goldrings platform is both practical and progressive, and as solid as any the other candidates are offering. To me, the key issue will be what kind of LEADER we elect. I believe Rick  could be the type of leader that brings staff, council, and other key stakeholders together on the important issues – an authentic leader for our city.  

From what I have seen, the candidates are somewhat on the same page re: issues.  This election is not ‘all about issues’, although some candidates will try to sway your vote telling you that it is.  This election is about leadership – what type of person we want at City Hall.

In my next blog, I will highlight my own observations on the races for seats on City and Regional Council, and they are getting very interesting and exciting in my opinion.