SLATE IS SILLY APPROACH

Let me start by saying, I’m not part of a slate. That’s the only time I’ll say it, just so I’m not accused of protesting too much.

But there seems to be a lot of talk about election slates this time around.  The recent allegation that a number of candidates, promoted as espousing similar opinions on the Uplands social housing process, constituted a slate, stirred some discussion.  It turns out that none of those named had spoken to each other to organize themselves into a slate, and none I’ve spoken with knew the ad was coming or had any input to its text. Nobody in the election race seems to feel they gained promotional value from the ad other than drawing attention to the election (a good thing).  Nobody outside of the discussion took notice.  Not much of a slate I’d say.

Then it occurred to me that there were any number of blog and web sites where candidates were being ranked, straw polls conducted and ‘expert’ opinions shared. Each of these seemed to start sounding kind of ‘slate-ish’.  They seemed to have a leaning or a commonality that gave me the feeling the group was more representative of the politics or mind-set of the author than the community.  Fun, but too bad there wasn't a middle of the road, non-agenda, full and uniform source of information at election times for civic, provincial and federal choices. It would allow candidates to focus on personalizing their platform, providing more details, and dropping some of the platitudes and promises that get in the way of telling the story of the issues.

I know that forecasting is quite different than prognosticating or promoting but the line seems easily crossed sometimes.  With the abundance of information sources we have, it becomes more and more difficult to find that dividing line between opinion and information.

So, my point is, be careful who you listen to, what you take for truth or interpretation, and on what information you evaluate your candidates.  Certainly, don't believe the stories of a slate -- especially one that I might belong to since it doesn't exist.  I encourage you to go to the source, call your candidate directly and ask a question or pose a challenge.

My number is 250-755-6465.

Roger McKinnon, Candidate

Mayor of Nanaimo

http://mckinnonfornanaimo.com/

Facebook:  Roger McKinnon 

Twitter:  @Roger_McKinnon

John's "Dear Jim" Letter

Good Morning Jim,

I had the opportunity to read your blog and your attack on me. I am surprised, as I cannot recall seeing this type of personal attack ever in local municipal politics.

I truly believe that for the most part, you and I support similar initiatives. My real concern is the strong support that Roger McKinnon is receiving in the North end. The front page of today's "Nanaimo Daily News" is suggesting that this is a one issue election...supportive housing, something that both you and I support.

If you and I become involved in a smear campaign, the clear winner in my opinion will be Roger. His stated plans are to terminate all supportive housing projects, slash senior staff at City Hall and institute a "0" tax increase for 3 years. How he will address the large CUPE and IAFF (Fire Fighters) labour contracts currently under negotiation is a mystery.

I am advised that Roger is committing more money to his campaign than you and I combined.

Under your leadership, I would suggest that there would not be any radical changes in City policy. I do not share this same view with Roger.

Far be it for me to tell you how to run your campaign. I just wanted to share these thoughts with you.

Good luck,

John Ruttan

I was surprised to read this letter from Mayor John Ruttan to fellow candidate Jim Routledge in a blog.  The alleged ‘smear’ was a well-deserved criticism of the mayor’s recent forays into economic development strategies shortly after taking credit for creating the ‘arms-length’ Economic Development Corporation.  It seemed a bit heavy-handed to me to label simple dissent as a ‘smear’ and significant incorrect references to my platform and candidacy piqued my interest.

Quite simply, I do not believe this is a one-issue election.  Current mayor and council have managed business so that the focus has been mostly turned to the Uplands low barrier housing project in a time frame coinciding with the election.  They have employed strategies that could only result in community division.  This must stop.  We need transparency and trust in order to move forward.  Social housing yes, closed doors to the community – no.

This election is about getting on with the business of creating jobs for the short and long term through aggressive economic development.  It’s about a commitment to reduce our annual property tax increases to zero percent within three years. (Read that statement closely John.) It’s not about cutting employment at city hall or anywhere else.

Mayor Ruttan mentions that neither he nor Jim would institute any radical changes at City Hall.  That is exactly what this election is about.  We can continue to do things just as we have in the past and expect the same results.  Or, we can seek change, define a vision of that, and move towards that vision as a community.  I suggest that residents, like myself, feel it is time to do that now.

Finally, I certainly hope I’m NOT spending more than the two of you.  It does cost a lot to communicate, and overcoming misinformation like that in the mayor’s blog response, just increases the time and money one must invest just to get the story straight at election time. 

Roger McKinnon, Candidate

Mayor of Nanaimo