VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Between the frenzy and excitement of election campaigns, what do political parties do?
Well, they try to keep interest in the political process, recruit new members, raise funds for the next election. They also develop policy alternatives, prepare electoral platforms and generally try to stay in the public eye.
With the Greens, it's the same, yet also different.
As one of the most frequent contributors to this website's blog pages, I have refrained from mixing municipal and provincial-federal issues. There is a general reluctance to introduce partisan politics into municipal affairs. There is also a reluctance for provincial and federal parties to intervene locally. With the exception of one or two event postings and calls to action, I have practiced this voluntary restraint.
Until now...
Once again, there is a chance to make history in an election. It's not anywhere near here, but you can still get involved.
Durham NDP supporters who were left without a home team to cheer for when the party's embarrassing candidate in Durham self-destructed by posting obscene comments on the Internet should now seriously consider the Green Party. The CAW Atlantic Canada Area just endorsed Elizabeth May in Central Nova.
As campaign manager, part of my job is to make sure our candidate doesn't miss any significant events and that organizers know how to reach the campaign.
But so far during this campaign I've had this nagging feeling that we were missing events. Why? Because there are NO all candidate forums anywhere in Clarington where the general public could ask questions directly. Not organized by residents associations, not by business groups, not by the media.
NDP supporters in Durham have been cut loose by their national party. After a dodgy nomination meeting, a candidate was found who, it was revealed later, made grossly inappropriate comments on the Internet. Now, that candidate has resigned, but too late to name a credible replacement.
Supporters now face a difficult choice. They have to choose between the remaining two major parties who will address social concerns and the climate crisis (sorry Tories, you're not in that race).
The options are vote "strategically", stay home, park your vote, or vote your conscience.
