End of this road…

I’m not the newest Campbell River City Councillor and I’m disappointed. I am so stoked for all the support I received, and I’m sorry that I won’t be representing those who voted for me. There are many things that people do to show up for their communities, and I am so grateful for all of the kind, compassionate, smart, driven individuals who make this place such a stellar place to live. I really thought (and still think) that I would be the best fit for this Council at this time, so I could build upon the strengths of all we have here.

I see now that I needed to do more to reach out and connect with more residents. Our voter turnout for this by-election was 8.6%. Those 8.6% of voters should feel proud that they showed up! I do wonder how I and my fellow candidates (eight of us in total), plus all of the other media and municipal communications failed to convince our residents that voting in a by-election matters. We all need to do better at showing up to the things that matter. I try to invite people into conversations, I invite people in to activities and adventures and initiatives into which I think others will benefit. I try to minimize my time and energy being poured into negative and destructive behaviours and actions. So as this specific door has closed for now (next general election in Campbell River is October 2022), I’m reflecting on the experience, thanking my supporters, and directing my enthusiasm and love for my community into other projects.

#IlovewhereIlive