Change Starts Now!

Remarks from the opening of Shari's Campaign Office (841 Rosser Avenue)



Since October 27th, 2009, I have been campaign for change. Not just changing who sits in the mayor's chair- but more importantly, campaigning to change where we think this city should be in 5 years, in 10 years from now, changing how we go about creating the plan to get there, changing the way we work together to bring about a new vision for Brandon.



I have been working hard to show you that I would be a different kind of mayor than our incumbent; that I would do things differently. For example, I've been campaigning already for 315 days, walking from one end of Brandon to the other, knocking on doors, meeting with community groups, businesses, seniors, sports teams, parents, students, environmentalists, teachers, nurses. I've been doing research and talking with experts about how other cities are dealing with some of the issues that are challenging Brandon- downtown revitalization, economic clusters, recreation, environmental strategy, community focused policing, demographic shifts in population and their impacts on municipal planning. I've been doing my homework on how our city works, and how it could work better.



We are not launching the Shari for Mayor campaign today, but rather shifting into high gear as we enter the final phase of the election. I have been privileged to talk with you, and more importantly, to listen to you- about the kind of city you want to live in, to raise families in, to make business investments in, to out down roots in.



And I've heard a lot! Like me you love this city, but you are not satisfied with status quo. You are proud of Brandon, and you have great ideas and a passion to make it better.



As I said earlier, I'd be a very different mayor than our incumbent. And one of those differences is that I care about what the people of Brandon have to say. Because elected civic leaders must also represent the interests of the voter; which is hard to do if you have never asked them what they believe the key priorities of the city should be. Without asking, all you have is a one-man show.



So one of the things we're going to do is ask for your advice. for the next couple of weeks, volunteers will be out surveying the community, asking Brandonites about what they see as the key priorities for the incoming Mayor over the next few years. This is your chance to begin to shape the future direction of our city.



It won't surprise me to see the survey results reflect what I've already heard on the doorstep. The future you've said you wanted includes a vibrant downtown; clean, affordable neighbourhoods to raise our kids in; a safe city to retire and enjoy life in; an economy that stops the brain-drain, where our graduates don't have to leave town to find a job; a community rich in culture and entertainment. A city where, after a hard days work, you can find a place to chill with friends.



Because you want to live in a city rich with opportunity and alive with experiences.



But to get there, we need a mayor who says "I take responsibility for the future of our city", and who then can roll up her sleeves and get things done!



This election is about the direction of our city. Brandon is in a period of rapid change- we are not the same city we have been. There are many challenges associated with that- and there are many opportunities as well.



There are important questions to answer in this election. If we look ahead to what we want our city to be in five years, does our current mayor have the vision and leadership to get us there?



At the end of the day, this is THE critical question, and so this is a campaign about leadership. And this election is about leadership. And leadership is not just about cutting ribbons, throwing out the first pitch, handing out plaques. Leadership is about action, not about position.



There are now 50 days to the election.



October 27th is about how we work together. The upcoming mayoral race is not about one person holding one elected office. This election is about all the people of Brandon, who deserve a mayor who listens and talks with them about the issues that affect their lives. Democracy is about participation.



October 27th is also about getting back to the basics and focusing on rebuilding public trust and restoring confidence in City Hall. Which is why I'll be on the front steps of City Hall this Friday, September 10th at noon to outline our platform for change.



I believe in a better Brandon! But to get there Brandon needs change. On October 27th, we need to create the change want to see: energy, vision, leadership. And that change is starting right here, today. Thank you for coming.