‘You get the politicians you deserve’ – My Appeal for Help
Beaches-East York MPP Michael Prue said this today at a Housing Forum I attended, in reference to what happens to marginalized communities that don’t vote and then get ignored by those who win.
Voter responsibility is something I believe in as a candidate and an activist because, at the end of the day, it is the electors and not the candidates that control who runs, wins and loses. Unfortunately, without the financial support of electors who believe in me, my candidacy will be forced to end soon.
In late 2008 when people began approaching me about running, I told them very simply that ‘if I run you would need to help me by donating time and money’. Since that time, I’ve done my part, but can’t wait much longer on members of the community to do theirs.
I have spent countless hours fighting on behalf of my community and pushing back against attacks and attempts to victimize residents. It has become increasingly clear that our fight lies at City Hall and stopping Toronto Hydro will be easiest from there.
Residents asked and I answered their call to enter the race. Two months later I find myself with unbelievable levels of support on the door in high and low income communities, but with a campaign running on fumes. Campaigns need money to operate, and without finances we will not be able to compete against Paul Ainslie’s abuse of tax dollars (which is well underway) and the lobbyist and developer money he will surely take this time around (as he did last time).
I remain the only candidate that lives in the Ward, the only candidate stepping up to fight for the community and sadly the only candidate who could be forced from the race over a lack of financial support.
Those who believe I would be a good Councillor need to get involved and take ownership of the fate of my campaign. Our community’s future hangs in the balance.
If you want to see me in this race, I need your help today. Please donate to my campaign now. As an example, a $300 donation will cost just $75 after the City mails you a rebate cheque. For a more detailed breakdown of the city’s rebate program and how much you can get back, click here.
Without your help, it is a matter of weeks before my campaign ends and with it my intention to devote the next four years of my life to standing up for residents who I believe currently have a failed representative. Elections are the opportunity for communities to decide who they want to represent them, and everyone should respect the outcome. If inaction causes my withdrawal and the re-election of Paul Ainslie, then, sadly, as Michael Prue said today, ‘you get the politicians you deserve’.
We have the opportunity to defeat a lying, weak, inactive member of Council and elect a strong, honest and committed representative in his place.
My pledge is simple – with your support we can win and I will do all that I can to make that happen. Together we can reclaim our voice and do the right thing. Without your support, I can’t and because I know I can’t win without the community investing in my campaign I can’t justify staying in the race.
If you believe as I do, please do something about it. Allow me to run, to be your voice and to stand up and fight for us. If you don’t then the next four years will be filled with more of the same and I will respect the community’s decision to be represented by an ineffective light-weight who does more harm than good.
Help fund the campaign and I pledge to devote myself fully to the task at hand. I will campaign until our victory is won and serve with honesty and integrity on your behalf.
I apologize to those who feel I am being too blunt, but a campaign without funds is not winnable. I believe residents and supporters have a right to know that I will not be in this race without them making it possible for me to run and win on their behalf.
For my part, I have begun making calls to community allies. A core group of volunteers are reaching out and I’ll be asking all friends and family to do their part to support me. If you’re someone who believes I should run and would like to see me elected, turn that belief into action.
Do your part today and donate now.
Tags: 2010 Toronto Municipal Election, Guildwood, John Laforet Campaign, Paul Ainslie, Toronto Municipal Candidate, Toronto Municipal Election, Ward 43
December 30th, 2010 at 1:40 am
[...] Getachew, however, is not the only contender with cash-flow problems. John Laforet, one of his opponents, recently warned his supporters that he maybe forced to quit for lack of [...]