BLOG: FINAL DAYS/HOURS…WHAT A RIDE IT’S BEEN!
OCTOBER 19th, 2010 Well, here we are; winding down to the final legs of this municipal election campaign 2010. What a priveledge it has been to once again “enter the race” to earn your votes. This Blog is composed of four sections:
MORE INTEREST: I have been amazed by the interest shown by people; they really seem to be “connected” to this election. There are those that say voter turnout will be down; and point to the advance polls (down by about a thousand people) as proof. Well; even if they are right (which I’m not convinced of yet)….it seems to me those who ARE interested, are actually MORE interested than ever. Those that are voting are really looking into what we have to offer, more than ever.
STARTED EARLY & STAYED BUSY: For me; it’s been exhilerating: both fun and intense at the same time. In my case, the ride started early; I was one of the first to sign nomination papers way back in March. The excitement never stopped! I answered hundreds of emails and phone calls…probably a dozen Surveys or Polls/group questions. And all the while, trying to keep on top of regular council business as an incumbant; & the extra responsibility of being one of the 3 Committee Chairpersons that help lead council.
I was ahead of the curve again in late July; with my website up and running. Early to some people; but not to me—-i wanted this job back; I wanted it badly and I was prepared to work for it, and to work EARLY for it. Mid-August I had my first billboard up on Airport Rd; by the Davedi Club. Others soon followed (2 on Lakeshore & 1 on Cassels Street). Early September I put out my 4ftx4ft signs at some key intersections. Just a few key spots as I believe old-fashioned signs are just that: old-fashioned. That brings us to the topic of “technology”…
TECHNOLOGY CHANGES THE RACE: Speaking of which: This campaign also is the first to truly feel the “FACEBOOK & TWITTER EFFECT”. I was an early user of Facebook; signing up in 2007. But I’ve really seen changes there, too. For almost 3 years; I had about 250—300 facebook “friends”….once my campaign started & website were up I had neared the 500 mark. Now; with many more requests strictly due to the election “buzz” I’ve been near 800. The number had grown quite quickly, and was very active with campaign-type comments (I answer each question or concern myself). It was so busy, that recently I’ve had to trim some of my “out of town” contacts & stick to a truly “NORTH BAY-BASED” group of facebook friends; just around the 700 mark.
Here’s another “glimpse of the future”…. I estimate I had at least TRIPLE the number of election comments/questions/offers of support through Facebook; as I did compared to regular email or telephone. That’s the future of elections right there….and we lived it right here in 2010. Just wait till next time!
READY TO SERVE AGAIN: To wrap up; it’s been exciting, it’s been stressful; it’s been fast-paced….but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I’ve fought harder & been more focused than ever before. I truly am “Ready to Serve YOU Again!”
