Community Built on Optimism Not Fear

This is my response to the letter my supporters recieved in the mail.

Dear Friends & Neighbours:

Today I am celebrating my supporters in Kitchissippi who have generously placed a sign on their lawns to publicly endorse my campaign.  Thank you! 

It is not always easy to stand up for what you believe in. I learned that lesson again this past Monday, as did some of my supporters, who received a letter in the mail challenging their choice to publicly endorse my campaign using a lawn sign.  The letter went on to urge them to vote for another candidate - for fear that "vote splitting" will lead to the re-election of our current Councillor. 

"This message is not about hope for a better community or voting for something you believe in. It is about fear and telling you what to think.”

The letter states a number of untruths, but mostly it is misguided, disrespects the intelligence of voters and is fundamentally anti-democratic.  It is not about hope for a better community or voting for something you believe in. It is about fear and telling you what to think. The letter is also an example of why many people who would otherwise be excellent representatives for their communities turn away from politics altogether. 

"The letter is also an example of why many people who would otherwise be excellent representatives for their communities turn away from politics altogether.” 

I chose to run in this election to put citizens back into the heart of municipal decision-making. That is why I chose Citizens First as my campaign promise.  It is not "Michelle Reimer" first - it is YOU first.  And one of my approaches is to challenge old ways of thinking and introduce new ways of working together so that we are empowered and get positive results for our community. 

"My approach is to challenge old ways of thinking and introduce new ways to work together so that we are empowered and get positive results for our community.”  

Those who vote for me on October 27th will do so because that is their choice, because we share common values and because they feel that I am the best choice for their families and communities.  They will vote for me because of my commitment to full community participation and transparency.  They will vote for me out of optimism not fear.

Thank you again for your continued support and commitment!

Michelle