Editor,
Regarding your May 21st editorial, titled “Will We See a Better Turnout For This Year’s Municipal Election?”
Near the end of your piece, you state –
“…when it comes to candidates, what I have noticed … is that today’s candidates often seem to come out of nowhere with little in the way of previous community involvement. … Candidates used to build a resume of community involvement, they established a track record of volunteering, and they saw service to community as a way to become known in the community before they ever put their name on a ballot.”
Your thoughts have been weighing on my mind, and I think they deserve a response. Full disclosure: I am Adam Vaughan, currently running for an upcoming council seat, and still trying to learn how to play the game of politics; such as trading jabs with the local scribes.
I would like to respond to your comment that “candidates seem to come out of nowhere” and that they used to come from a more grass roots origin. I think my experience is the exception to your rule.
Being an active part of the Meaford community has been a strong focus for all my life. I started my community work at a young age, when my parents ran the local soccer club. Whether that was being a referee, a coach, or helping to relocate the fields, multiple times, over the club’s life … I was there.
Later when I returned to Meaford, from college, I once again jumped in with the soccer club, becoming the head ref and head coach for the local league. Once I was settled in, I was also with the local Kinsmen club for several years, having a stint as president, for a year, as well. More recently I have offered my assistance to the local repair café, volunteered for years with our riding’s MP, am an active Bigger Brother, as well as serving on the Pumped Storage Advisory committee.
The experiences I have had in the community are the driving force behind my desire to seek a Council seat. Meeting so many people from different walks of life, and after spending time with them, I hear one thing constantly: people want to see things get better… but don’t know how best to get there. The system just feels too complex. More then anything, I think actively addressing THIS should be the primary driving force for anyone seeking office; to give voice to those that (want) to see the community flourish.
So many changes are coming to Meaford, and our residents need a strong voice. TCE, Skydev, Baybounds, Georgian Bay Harbour Ltd, or the other 13 projects listed on the municipal website. The community experience you talked about is absolutely necessary in understanding how these will sit with all parts of our community.
Some people have asked me why would I get involved during such a challenging time, and honestly with all the history I have with this town, I don’t see how I couldn’t.
Thank you for your thoughts, Mr. Editor, but in my case, I haven’t come out of nowhere.
Adam Vaughan, Meaford
