Food Bank Mayors Challenge and Challenges of running for Mayor

I waited until midnight last night to indulge in Roast Beef - Cheese - A Salad and pita bread. It was all leftovers that I have stared at for the last few days.  What a horrible diet choice we were given. Choice is a key word as I had an opportunity to cheat if I wished and I took the food list given and had more choice over my diet than 5 of my co-challenge takers. If that Food Bank Ration is all you have in your house and no coin in your wallet, you don't have the choice to even cheat. I could feel my body change in reaction to the cardboard box diet. Headaches, lack of energy, and systems that usually go regularly deciding not to. I feel much better today and all systems are a go.

I have sent my summary to Operation Sharing so I won't scoop them in their media release but I did learn lots this week. I think that calling Welfare Ontario Works is a big misnomer. I think the system is more about preserving the system than it is about helping folks get off the system. I was saddened by the lack of representation by the administrators of Oxford's Ontario Work's program at the kick off event. Sending 2 print outs of stats with the County Warden doesn't cut it with me, but I am just a citizen. I've learned also that for many folks struggling as the working poor, being on Welfare is seen as being a failure and they have a dogged determination to not go on it. They get no support for their efforts though except perhaps the overburdened Food Banks. I think that should change.

The Challenges of running for Mayor

It is a lot harder running on a platform than popularity.
The advantage is always to the incumbant who still has access to feeding the media.
If you state facts they are disputed, If you state existing things that you disagree with you are perceived as being negative, If you don't throw dirt you are not agressive enough, If you do throw dirt you are unsavoury.
Running on a budget because you have a budget conscious platform requires creativity.
Attending photo opportunities is difficult when you have a job too.
Seeing your friends list on FaceBook mined for support.

The joys of running for Mayor

4 and a half hours walking a few blocks downtown talking to merchants
One hour conversations with random folks on the sidewalk that recognize you from your flyer.
2 and half hour conversations with an anonymous phone caller who is undecided but full of opinions
Having friends and family volunteer to help
My anonymous emailer - VIP1
Being thanked for not knocking on their door and the front porch conversations handing out flyers.
Having an assumption turning out to be untrue.
FaceBook - Blogs  - Conversations - seeing the gardens and meeting the dogs
Sticking to your ideals, platform and morals and learning things.
Thinking every night that it might not work - Thinking every morning that you think it will.

Just random thoughts today - Beautiful sunshine and a Honey Do list to work on.

Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving

Tim Lobzun - Remember to vote