Ward 4 runs from Appleby Line to Guelph Line, from the Lake to Upper Middle Road. It is one of the most 'established' areas of Burlington, and the one that has seen the least 'development' or change in recent years. Ward 4 has been my home to my family for the past 10 years.
There are three people running in Ward 4 - Jim Blake, Jack Dennison, and Brian Heagle. Since Mr. Blake is not really actively campaigning, I will focus on the two key candidates.
To be frank, I wanted change here in Ward 4 in 2006, but didnt get it. Yes, I am bias. As a resident here, I just dont 'get' the Dennison thing. Maybe its because I am relatively young, Im not sure. He survived the income tax situation, which is okay, so I dont need to bring that up fully now - its been discussed enough, and he was voted in after people knew that. What astounds me is he still touts himself as some sort of 'back to the basics' or 'business' guy. Seems this is an 'image' he likes to project, but isnt always consistent with his actions. Yes, Jack, you run a business. Philip Papadopoulos does as well. Many people do, with varied success. I will say though, that other than the Save General Brock situation a number of years back, ward 4 is the quietest and easiest (and least demanding) ward. This has protected Mr Dennison immensely, and kept him less busy than other Councillors at times. I will also acknowledge, that as a person that works with low-income families, I am often not a fan of people who just dont get it. He didnt submit any surveys from organizations that serve our needy. He doesnt pretend to care, which I do not like, but I respect. Earlier this year, when talking about new Burlingtonians / visible minorities getting involved in municipal politics here, he made a comment (..'anyone can throw their $100 in and run') that just showed he is really out of touch with the barriers some people have. Just to much of a 'we are the establishment, we belong here' feel for my liking. BUT, even an analysis that is based on my own 'not so favourable' experience deserves balance. I have met some neighbours, and some people south of Spruce who like what Jack has done as a councillor, and say he has helped them. There are some that say his 'taxpayer watchdog' may be part image, but there is some credibility to those claims on occasion. He has had a very quiet 4 years where he behaved, didnt seem to have any major gaffe (in the eyes of the broader voting ward 4 public). I will give Mr Dennis credit - he has worked very hard this election (knowing he had solid competition in 2010).
The other option in Ward 4 is Brian Heagle. I knew he was citizen of the year last year, and when I heard he was running in my ward, I wanted to meet him. I liked what I saw. Friendly, engaging, positive. We have a shared interest in leadership, and believe there is a new, emerging style of leadership and leaders that Burlington has to offer. When researching a candidate, I dont really focus on platform ideas, I look for shared themes across the platforms of those that I think are 'true contenders' across the city. I believe that single-issue candidates from wards usually find it tough to get the support from their council colleagues (unless its a no-brainer). I believe Brian brings balance and an ability to work well with people to the table. Even though he was Citizen of the Year, which comes with its own exposure, he is still the 'new' candidate, running against a long-time incumbent.
One advantage Dennison has is the fact he has long lists of constituents he has helped who he can ask to erect a lawn sign, Make no mistake, Jack has a lot of lawn signs up. Interestingly though, more than a few people had said that they have a connection from the past to Jack, but havent decided who they will vote for. I think people forget that longtime residents (who have been through many,many elections) sometimes feel obligated when asked, but when they are in the privacy of the voting booth, they can vote for whoever they wish. Many want change, but wont express it until the ballot box. the opposite can be true of course.
The only comment I will make about the outcome is that if the 'same, traditional' voters hit the polls, and this ward race has not been able to engage new voters this year, we will see the same result. The fact that there are only 2 viable, campaigning candidates helps Brian, but this race shows how tough it is to gain the upper hand on an incumbent. I believe that if this was an open race between these two based on resume, ideas - it would be a landslide for Heagle, but dont underestimate how many people Councillors get to meet each term, and dennison has been around a long time.
I want change in my ward, but are residents in Ward 4 looking at the rest of the city saying we are the ward that needs to be steady, swallow hard and resist change? I hope not, but anything is possible.
I want a Councillor here who has roots, will work hard, will work together with others at City Hall, represents Ward 4, but cares for the people of the city as a whole, is able to look to the future, and will grow into a leader that one day will do bigger and better things for Burlington. Thats what I want, and thats why I really hope Brian Heagle makes his way on to council this term.
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