I popped in to Wellington Square last night to catch some of the Ward 2 candidates meeting last night. I was on the way home from the Trustees meeting at Central High School with Evan and Kate, and THEY asked me to go! :) Its interesting to see that all three of my kids are enjoying various aspects of this election, and that they know virtually all of the candidates across the city by name, sign. They also know Grandma and Grandpa live in Ward 2, so wanted to swing by because they have seen the signs of all 4 candidates. This is the most interesting race in the election in my opinion. You have four distinct and interesting candidates, and depending on what you want, and are looking for - there is someone in this race for you!!
Peter Thoem, the incumbent. Peter seems the quiet, stoic, respectful & polite representative. He is not a 'camera-hog' or PR seeker in any way, and is not in this for 'the show'. He reminds us that 'flash' can be overrated, and would appeal to people that arent drawn to the 'typical' slick politician.
You have Marianne Meed Ward, a relative newcomer to the downtown ward, but not on the political scene here. Marianne has run in 2 previous elections (one in Ward 1, and as a liberal candidate). She has run a very strong on-the-ground campaign in my opinion, with the 'save the waterfront' campaign she led as a good strategic precursor to this election campaign. Marianne has taken on the role of activist (with petitions and causes). As a journalist, she is a solid communicator, and has made great use of social media and other communications tools. She has also done her homework on the issues from what I can see.
Next you have Dave Bedini - who seems to like to lead with the phrase 'lifelong resident'. I do understand why he focuses on that. The one thing I really like about people that have 'deep roots' in the community is that they are 'truly' more accountable than others. I say this because someone else can 'storm into town, cause a ruckus, promise the world' and if it doesnt work out, they can just leave. Bedini cant do that - he has too many family and friends , too much history here to do that. Thats motivating! His platform seems fine, and he comes across as the good, friendly neighbour. His communications teams response to the recent online polls has me a little insulted, but I will get over it. - he seems solid.
Lastly, you have Shannon Gillies. Shannon is the youngest candidate, and is both articulate and thoughtful in her responses. She has as nice a presence as any candidate in the city. She seems fresh, not jaded, real. She could be the choice for some people that just want to 'start fresh' with a candidate who is a non-politician, a good person, and who would be a good representative. Shannon may be the underdog (lack of experience, name recognition), but I think those that meet her will like her.
I am glad I am not in ward 2, because the choice would be difficult for me. However, there are MANY signs downtown, so it seems the residents of Ward 2 are really engaged in this election, and are behind their chosen candidate.
So, in the end, if I lived here, how would I make my choice? I would want to know about the relationship these candidates have with each of the other existing councillors and potential Mayors. I say this because I dont think we want a council that is constantly fighting with each other. We would want to ensure that the people representing us will go to bat for our issues, but have the ability to 'play in the sandbox' as well.
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