Thank You

I've been staring at a blank screen since December, trying to find a way to share the words that have been clear in heart for months.  All the emotion and gratitude I want to convey can't seem to find a way to my keyboard.

I've decided not to run for Council in November. 

I made this decision over the Winter break and informed my colleagues, family, "Team Ali" volunteers, many of the friends I have made over the past 2 and 1/2 years...but I've been stumbling over the words that make it official.

If I could only find the words to express what an honour it has been to work with Esquimalt I would have written this months ago. Imperfect and inadequate as this will be...I simply feel I cannot wait any longer. It is time for me to encourage others to step forward and serve our community in this way.

I do want to reassure everyone that I will continue to work hard for Esquimalt until the end of my term and far beyond.  In April of 2007, I stepped to the microphone in Council Chambers for the very first time. That day I made a promise to my community to be involved in decisions affecting me and my family. That hasn't changed. I will still be a familiar face in Chambers.  I will just be sitting in a different chair. Esquimalt will continue to be the place I am proud to call my home...and I will always care about what happens in my home.

Above all, what I hold close, are the friendships and relationships that will be lasting reminders of this intense time in my life.  Ties strengthened and forged under pressure that I will always treasure. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.

xoAli




 

Signs of the Times

Andy, my amazing husband, has been driving around Esquimalt trying to pick up all my signs. We think he got most of them, but if we missed one please let us know!

A lot of my signs were already picked up before Andy could there. As I suspected, the greenest guy in Esquimalt has been picking them up, taking them apart and getting them ready for recycling or reuse. These photos are from his driveway.

Fortunately for me, he's too busy working on this project to read this blog. If he found out that I was calling him thoughtful, kind and environmentally friendly he'd probably tell me off during the public input session at my first Council meeting. I'm personally hoping to stay in his good books - at least until I get a few meetings under my belt...

We did it!

Thank you all so much! I am still a little in shock....but I was elected to Esquimalt Council last night!

I will post more with photos later....but I'm off to work today.

Before I go, I have to start "naming names". Boualay and Krisna the incredible couple who were with me right up until Friday afternoon getting message out. The unstoppable Lorie who volunteered to do anything and everything (as usual hey Lorie?), Heidi the scrutineer...and of course - the amazing husband. Thank you guys so much!!!!

Rusty Buttons and All...

As I handed out my last flyer today, this quote sprang to mind:

"Finish each day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely
and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

This campaign is over now. There were blunders. There were absurdities. There was certainly nonsense. Most of all though; there was laughter, there was friendship, there was unwavering support.

I hold so many moments in my heart:

Standing on the steps of municipal Hall on April 23rd, 2007. Waiting to address Council. Taking turns watching the children as parents took their turns at the microphone inside.

Laughing over coffee in Beans and Greens as the suggestion of me running for Council was discussed.

Announcing my decision there a year later.

Hearing my announcement on the news. Reading it in the paper. Seeing my own writing in a magazine.

There are moments I know I will always remember. There are people I know I can never forget.

The man who gave me his old signs to recycle as my own.

The man who salvaged wood and hardware to put them together…and volunteered to take them apart.

The people who called to ask for a lawn sign.

The people who delivered flyers.

The people who knocked on doors with me.

The friend who knocked on doors with me on the wettest day of the year. Who stood beside me for so long that her “Vote Alison Gaul for Esquimalt Council” button rusted in the rain.

The people who opened their doors and invited me in.

The people who opened their doors and hugged me and said “I already voted for you at the advance polls.”

The long time Esquimalt residents who shared their stories and their wisdom with me. To have the generous gift of their time has helped me foster an understanding of where we’ve been and where we hope to go.

As we creep closer to midnight, and election day dawns, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I am struggling for words to adequately express how I feel. I only know this: I love my husband more today then when we started on this campaign. I am more proud than ever of my incredible children. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by so many amazing friends. No matter what the polls say tomorrow…I am glad that I did this.

Thank you all so much for sharing this adventure with me.

Quote of the Week

The All Candidates Meeting was held in the Esquimalt High School Theatre. Before the meeting, a friend and heritage advocate pointed out a quote in the display case. I found it meaningful and went back to the school yesterday to write it down so I could post it here.

"Traditions are voices from our ancestors telling us to respect old ways. they are important in making us feel good about ourselves. Innovation is the new way. It calls us to the future. It tells us to walk new paths, to explore new things, and to experience ways that are different. But we cannot do this with comfort if we do not know and respect the things that have come before us. It's the brave person who walks in new directions" - Maukskumben

Surveys

More surveys of Esquimalt Candidates are now online. One that touches on many issues can be found at: http://members.shaw.ca/renaissanceservices/esq08/ This was a particularly interesting survey as it was very open ended. It simply asked candidates to comment on a list of subjects.

The other survey is on an issue close to my heart. The Archie Browning Sports Centre. It can be found at: www.friendsofabsc.com

All Candidates Meeting

Last night was Esquimalt's All Candidates Meeting. I've attended many...but never as a candidate! I have never seen such a large crowd at one of these - let's hope we get a record turnout at the polls too! It really was inspiring to see so many people come out to find out more. I saw a lot of young people and I also saw a lot of people taking notes. Several people brought their Vic News candidate profile (printed last Friday) and took notes right on that.

The Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce, The West Bay Residents Association and the Esquimalt Residents Association worked together to put on a very professional, well run evening. My thanks to everyone for making this happen!

It was a little nervewracking but it was also fun. I learned quite a bit about all the candidates and I got to meet more interesting residents.

Best of all, I've received 3 or 4 more email questionnaires from residents today. People are really taking the time to ask informed questions. Thank you everyone! Keep the emails and the phone calls coming - I love it!

Andy Hogs the Media (without even trying)

Last Sunday, the Times Colonist published a couple of letters discussing the upcoming municipal elections. Included with the letters was this picture of a man in shorts heading off to vote in 2005 at Esquimalt Municipal Hall. I only know one man who wears shorts in November. That man is my husband.

Kooky twist of fate huh?

This year, the man in shorts is voting for me!

Early polls are this Wednesday, Nov 5th 8am-8pm and next Wednesday, Nov 12th 8am-8pm. Come on down to Esquimalt Municipal Hall and make your vote count!

Focus Magazine November 2008

In September, I was asked to submit my vision of a "dream city" in 150 words or less. I was excited....but terrified. I can't say ANYTHING in 150 words!

I started writing and at least 10 thousands words came out. With some cutting and snipping I arrived at something just under 150.

This month, Focus published it. Here is what I submitted:

My "Dream City"

People of all ages are active and engaged citizens. Committees and commissions never lack for volunteers. The work is valued, respected and meaningful. Public consultation is frequent. Voter turnout is over 70%.
Development reflects the diverse cultures and values of the community.

Small businesses are places of lively conversation. They prosper.

Sports facilities, schools and parks are focal points. They foster connections and life long friendships. They are never considered “surplus to need.”

Music and the arts are affordable and accessible for everyone.

Public Transit, walking and cycling are the most popular options for travel. Residential streets host more road hockey than traffic.

Local food is abundant. All children have the opportunity to tend the soil.

Local newsletters welcome newcomers. The stories of our history and the possibilities of our future are shared.

We have more than a sustainable city. We do more than just sustain. We thrive.

Victoria Labour Council Endorsement

I am honoured to announce that I have been endorsed by the Victoria Labour Council. I am the only candidate in Esquimalt endorsed by VLC. To earn this, I completed a lengthy written questionnaire and interview process. I have been a member of HSA since 1997 and before then, I was a member of HEU and CUPE. You can find out more information on their newly launched website: http://victorialabour.ca/

This endorsement does not imply any affiliation with a political party. I have never been a member of a political party...and as long as I am involved in municipal politics, I pledge never to belong to a party.

Times Colonist Election Notes

More info on the municipal elections is available on the web. The Times Colonist website is running "Election Notes" You can find it here:

http://communities.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/blogs/electionnotebook/default.aspx

They've just posted an article on candidate websites. My website is even mentioned! Just a reminder that if you ever need someone to build a website for you Louise from Dreaming in Colour is absolutely amazing. I don't think you'll find someone nicer or more talented!

All Candidate Meeting

There will be one All candidate meeting in Esquimalt. Its next Wednesday from 7-9pm at Esquimalt High School.

Thanks to the Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce, the West Bay Residents Association and the Esquimalt Residents Association for hosting this event.

Hope to see everyone there!

Updated Links

I've added some new links. Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has posted a questionnaire that they sent to all municipal candidates. Plan Victoria has a spot for all municipal candidates to post their platforms and their bios. Citizen Canine also sent a questionnaire out to all the municipal candidates and will be publishing thier results shortly.

Victoria Vision is a great spot to gather info too.

In addition to those...I've had several from interested members of the community. Another one today! Don't hesitate to send me your questions...I love it!

Gratitude Tree

Each year around Thanksgiving, since my oldest was really little, we've drawn a bare branched tree on a big piece of paper. Then we write something we are grateful for and glue on it on a branch. The last couple of years, we've shared this tradition at the Beans and Greens storytime.

It is always a surprising, humorous and touching experience to hear what the children have to say. This year we had leaves that said, "superheroes" "hugs" "mum" "peace" "daddy being home" "clothes" and even "pink monkeys"

My own personal tree "runneth over" with leaves. The health and happiness of my children, the strength of my marriage, the love of my family and friends.... I am so grateful for you all.

There are also things to be grateful for that I never imagined this time last year: the kindness of strangers who volunteer to put my signs up on their lawn. The incredible opportunity to meet so many new people in my community - residents and other candidates for Council. The incredible team of volunteers that are keeping me on track...

Although it has been stressful at times...I know that this experience of running for Council has already enriched my life. Thank you Esquimalt - I am so grateful!

Q and A

I am suddenly inundated with email questionnaires...and I LOVE it! Several groups are sending out surveys of the local candidates and posting them online. The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Citizen Canine and Plan Victoria to name a few. I've also received some email from individuals and I LOVE answering their questions and getting to know them a little bit better.

If you have questions send them my way! LOVE it!

I'll post links to all the published results soon.

Sign Sign Everywhere a Sign....

My wonderful husband has been driving all over Esquimalt this week putting up my election signs! I think that they look great! Boualay has created another gorgeous design. I am so lucky to have such talented people on Team Ali.

One of the things that I love best about my signs is that they are recycled. I hate to see all the coroplast from political signs head to the landfill after each election. I'm also operating from a tight budget. Recycling makes good environmental and good fiscal sense. Unfortunately, it can be a real challenge. I had to call a lot of places before I found one that would screen print on the back of old signs. Cheers to CREST for agreeing to do it and doing a really nice job.

In addition to that, each sign is a little unique. The lovely design stays the same but the wooden stakes are all bits of wood previously used on other projects. I am very fortunate that a really kind neighbour volunteered to put the signs together with wood he salvaged.

If you'd like one of these for your home please let me know! I'll send Andy over!

Every Vote Counts

68 votes.

That's what Dr. Keith Martin won by on Tuesday.

Just 68 votes.

I know at least 68 people who didn't make it to the polls. I have met at least 68 people who don't vote because they say it doesn't matter.

EVERY vote matters.

In the last Esquimalt municipal election, the person who came in 7th, and therefore didn't get a seat on Council, lost by approximately 25 votes.

This November 15th, please make sure you get out to the polls. Every vote counts!

Advice From My Daughter

Yesterday I confronted one of my biggest fears. The shopping Mall.

I don't mind public speaking. I'm happy to scuba dive to 100ft. One day I will most definitely jump from a plane. I absolutely hate shopping for clothes.

I need to have some sort of outfit for the All Candidates meetings. Apparently my yoga pants/oversized hoodie combo won't be appropriate.

I brought my 7 year old daughter with me. She LOVES shopping. It worries me a little. She not only knows the difference between taffeta and tulle; she cares.

I kept picking out plain outfits in basic neutrals from the sale rack. She kept picking out items with sparkle, colour and expensive price tags.

"That's not the kind of outfit people are expected to wear to this kind of meeting" I said to her as she pointed out a particularly flashy number.

"Mom" she sighed, clearly exasperated. "You're not LIKE everyone else. Why do you want to LOOK like everyone else?"

Maybe I shouldn't be so worried about her after all?

Time for a Change

Nominations for the municipal elections closed yesterday. As of 4pm, there were 2 people running for Mayor in Esquimalt and 14 people running for the 6 Council seats.

Clearly, its time for a change here in Esquimalt. I am so impressed that 14 people feel strongly enough about our township that they are willing to step up and work hard on Council. Even more impressive is the fact that 6 of these people are categorized as "under 40."

I'm looking forward to getting to know some of the people I haven't met yet.

Bonspiel Promise

OK. I've been inundated with emails since Sunday. I hereby promise that I will organize a yearly novice bonspiel. First, let's elect a Council that is willing and ready to make a commitment to ABSC. Then, let's raise some funds for the facility! Let's keep building on the goodwill and community that exists here! Consider it a personal promise. Whether or not I'm elected November 15th, I will do what I can to raise funds to keep ABSC for the next generation!