Archive for January, 2010
The Choice.
Ward 43 residents are guaranteed a choice in October 25th 2010 when they go to the polls. My entrance to the race last Friday was my commitment to ensuring their is a vibrant, hard fought race on the issues that matter to my community.
Today while dropping flyers, I came across a mail box that had a City of Toronto paid for Paul Ainslie magnet on it and as I was dropping flyers, I needed a place to put it. I decided the Ainslie magnet made a good contrast and would sure assist my flyer in getting the home owners attention.
Below is the result.
The response from voters I’ve met and spoken with so far as been surprisingly good. I’m sure looking forward to the many conversations ahead over the next ten months with members of my community.
Our campaign can only be successful with the financial support of those who believe in what we’re trying to achieve.
Would you like to comment? Please feel free to visit the Contact page on my site and contact me. Click subscribe if you would like to receive daily updates from http://laforet.ca in your inbox.
No Comments »Laforet.ca Gets Campaigny
I have been writing about community, political and policy matters on this site since June 2008 and it has been quite an experience. Certainly not something I’m going to give up because as a candidate, being candid is probably more important now than before.
But some things are changing.
You may notice instead of saying “John Laforet, standing up and standing strong” it now says “Elect John Laforet, For City Council Ward 43.” I still stand up and stand strong, but am hoping to do that as the next City Councillor for Ward 43. It seemed to make sense to make that part clearer.
Donations are now being accepted using paypal at the right hand side of the page. I will post a separate note about this item later with details on who is eligible to donate, and the rebate the City of Toronto will provide donors.
Comments have also been turned off. This was a difficult decision that involved quite a bit of back and forth but was ultimately decided by me. The basic idea is this – I strongly support debate, and exchanges, and I loathe anonymous, baseless attacks. I also don’t like being a censor and until today had only ever deleted one of 1184 comments posted. That being said, the last two days have seen a racist comment, and two factually inaccurate drive by smear attempts on me. Paul Ainslie supporters will need to find someone else to pay the hosting of their anonymous attacks because it won’t be me.
The point of drawing traffic from a community to a site is to allow for residents to read about your plans for the community, and get your take on things. It’s supposed to a tool to facilitate an exchange between the candidate and voter, something I do believe is better done without a comments section.
I imagine there will be a number of other changes to facilitate volunteer requests, ride requests, sign requests and the traditional campaign stuff, but for now using the contact me page will be the best option.
I am looking forward to the enhancements to the site that should also see video entries playing a bigger role, and more reflection on local events as the campaign unfolds.
I will obviously still be talking about the wind turbine issues as my community is deeply impacted by this, and my actions on this file and the inaction of my local representative is what led to me filing my nomination paper in the end.
Our campaign can only be successful with the financial support of those who believe in what we’re trying to achieve.
Would you like to comment? Please feel free to visit the Contact page on my site and contact me. Click subscribe if you would like to receive daily updates from http://laforet.ca in your inbox.
No Comments »It’s Official – I’m a Candidate for Toronto City Council in Ward 43
Today at 9:08 am (yes the City of Toronto records the time of one’s candidacy to the minute), I had the high honour and privilege of guaranteeing Ward 43 residents have a choice in the coming municipal election this fall.
I responded to the calls from residents that began well over a year ago to consider making another run. Members of the community have been frustrated by the vacuum of leadership and lack of local representation at City Hall. We’re going to work together to change that this fall.
They’ve asked for a voice. They want someone who is going to listen, stand up, speak out and represent their views. Someone who will rise above the self interested nonsense, mediocrity so often found at City Hall hurting our city.
I’m give it my all to be that voice, to champion the will of my neighbours, and community and to carry our message forward. Those who know me know I work long and hard, and never give up on something I believe in. It is that passion and drive I will bring to this race, and to my term as Councillor should residents see fit to enlist me in their service. But it can’t happen alone. It’s going to take the financial support and volunteer time from others who believe in shaking things up at City Hall. We’ll have more on this coming out soon – but feel free to email me if you’d like to act now.
Laforet.ca will begin changing to reflect my new role as my community’s candidate for Council as more residents begin visiting to find out more about my plans.
I have to say as day one of this campaign ends, I am proud of the team that has come together so far, and look forward to swelling our ranks in the days and weeks ahead.
Our campaign can only be successful with the financial support of those who believe in what we’re trying to achieve.
Would you like to comment? Please feel free to visit the Contact page on my site and contact me. Click subscribe if you would like to receive daily updates from http://laforet.ca in your inbox.
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