I want to talk about a few things in open, honest, almost non political terms.
I’ve had people over the last couple of weeks I’ve had lots of offers of support. I’ve had a lot of overall positive feedback from a number of groups and a number of individuals, sometimes from the least likely places too. I want to state for the record I’m running a donationless campaign. I’ve refused any financial assistance and I’m spending minimal money on my campaign (mainly because I’ve got too many other things to pay! Not all of us are John Mcains!). I’m doing this as a matter of principal, as a matter of keeping myself honest and trying to set a good example. This is what I think it’s all about, so I’m leading the way, in any way that I can to offer people a more positive view on politics. So no donations. It has been surprising, this campaign. Honestly, I didn’t expect as much support as what I’ve received from people, every person I talk to has been really positive and really supportive. Today at the Tintenbar hall was no exception.I came along to the hall expecting it to be just a quick “Hi I’m Ben Smith, lets answer some questions” but it turned into a “Hi I’m candidate abc I’m going to spend 30 mins being political and putting across very specific views of others and their policies”, I mean, sure it’s politics, but I was hoping for something a little more informal. At any rate, I came with no speech in hand, almost every other candidate came with an entire file of information and fully prepared speeches ready to fire their “vote wining blows”, admittedly, I felt a bit out of place, it’s something of a paradox, there are a lot of parts about politics that I just don’t like, ultimately, all I want to do is help others. I think it’s an important thing to note, for the average voter, that I’m just a normal guy and I don’t go to any effort whatsoever to hide that, I’m not some mighty or egotistical politician working on his ultimately plan or agenda. I’ve never considered myself a politician or even someone who’s passionate about politics, I’m just here to help others, that’s it. Back on topic. So I did my unprepared speech, which turned out pretty good, I got across my ultimate message that I’m just here to get the job done and at the end of the day all of us want to make things better, we all have a lot in common, we all want to make this place great and essentially offering my vision. After my speech, John Felsh stood up and did a speech, I had never met and spoken with John personally before and initially I didn’t know what to make of him, then he threw in a few jokes, and I started to realise the guy was a pretty positive, experienced guy. But then, he surprised me. John openly vouched for me and asked that people vote for me, he was impressed with my abilities, he was impressed that I could stand up and do a speech completely unscripted. John said that I will be a councillor (almost as if he already knew it) He also hoped that I become Mayor one day, he said all of this with passion and conviction, I was somewhat speechless, but thankful none the less. It’s nice to receive this kind of strong support, but I make a conscious effort to not let it get to me, some ego is good, but too much will ultimately destroy you. But ego aside, what it does do, is give me perspective on things and make me realise that I may actually get in as a councillor, I may well end up there, and I may well have to stand up and put my best foot forward. It’s a bit of a scary thought, but on the same note, it’ll be a new challenge, so I know it’s something that’ll help me grow and ultimately become a better person. So if I does happen, I’ll be looking forward to it. If it doesn’t happen, then it’ll be another learning experience. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. Ben.
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on Sunday, August 24th, 2008 at 2:36 am and is filed under Local Council Election.
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