At the front of the room were three candidates running for city council in the Daniel MacIntyre ward. Facing the candidates were rows of people with a multitude of concerns about their neighbourhood. Some came to support a specific candidate. Others came undecided, wanting someone to earn their vote.
One week in advance we delivered fliers up and down the streets of the old West End. We knocked on doors and told people, “Come listen to the candidates. See if they have an idea worth voting for. Get to meet them and compare them side-by-side.” Those who came turned their attention to the candidates.
Harvey, our present councilor, got elected last time on promises to cut crime. During his first campaign, he went door-to-door blaming his predecessor for the crime in the community. Four years later, he realized he couldn’t change the community so at least he’ll change his tune. Now he’s saying, “I don’t figure anyone else can change it either.” I figure he was old enough to know that before he ran the first time. It seems some people will say anything to get elected, but don’t want to face the consequences when they can’t deliver the goods.
Resty, one of the other candidates, had some good ideas, lots of excitement and vowed toi do his best for the neighbourhood. He’s had a long history with some folk in the community and I’m sure this will help him in the campaign.
But on election day, I’ll be giving my support to the person who gave the clearest answers and actually lives in the ward. I’ve seen Maureen in the neighbourhood more than any other candidate over the past few years, renovating houses and fighting crime. I figure she’s been backing up her words with action – long before throwing her hat in the ring.
At then end of the evening, each of the candidates looked tired. I know what they’re doing isn’t easy.
For me, watching the candidates brought back memories of the last provincial election.
I can tell you one thing. Politics – especially the campaign part – can be nasty business.
It’s definitely not for the faint of heart. People can say some really nasty things at the door, without even knowing a thing about you. And if you’re prone to paranoia, don’t even think about it. The gossip and smear campaigns will kill you.
I didn’t know how it worked when I started. But several days into knocking on doors, my naivete was shattered.
I started getting the distinct impression that while people would mouth their support for me, their eyes told me their vote was going elsewhere.
I was told that some people who already made up their minds will say anything to keep me at their door, knowing that it would make it harder to get to someone else who really is undecided.
People working for the other candidate pretended they were supporting me. Some even tried to join my campaign team.
Others came promising to deliver votes which weren’t theirs to deliver. Some offered donations as a way to pave the way for requests for future favours. And they were insulted when I turned them away. And people say politicians are hypocrites!
It was too late to look back. It was my first shot at politics but I gave it all I had. There was no cautious dipping toes in the water to check if it’s warm enough. I felt I had something to offer. I shouted loud and ran hard – straight into the deep end. My friends joined me, knocking on doors, putting leaflets everywhere we could.
At the end of the day I didn’t get elected. But I have no regrets, I met lots of good people and found many who shared my determination to make this a better neighbourhood. And losing an election didn’t mean I couldn’t continue to work with them.
Running for office taught me something important. I will never again use my cynicism as an excuse for staying at home on election day. And I hope you don’t either.
If you’re going to vote for someone, find a way to back them up before the election. Don’t lie to candidates at the door – or anywhere else. Don’t be the hypocrite you don’t want them to be.
And one more thing…
I know that whining over voter apathy is a waste of time. But if you belly-ache to me about the neighbourhood I’ll be asking you if you voted. If you tell me “no,” – whatever your excuse – my shoulder will be too cold to cry on.
Rev. Harry Lehotsky
514 Maryland Street
Winnipeg, Mb R3G 1M5
(204) 775-4929
lehotsky@escape.ca