Dear Editor:
RE: Fiscal restraint is key, Oct. 13.
In her Letter to the Editor, Judy Haddad expresses concern about one candidate frequently using the “I” word in a post within the Wellington Advertiser. She makes the assumption that the candidate is therefore “speaking as a singular part and not as a team effort”.
If I am assuming correctly about which candidate she means and which post, then I find her concerns unfounded.
In the first part of the candidate’s post they are introducing themselves to voters. The ‘I” statements are used to outline the candidate’s background and experience; to explain why the candidate is running; and to state the commitments the candidate is making and how he would go about fulfilling them. By focusing on the number of uses of the word “I” the candidate’s message is overlooked.
Also overlooked are the “we” statements contained in the post. As well as the candidate’s commitment to coming back together as a community, to building a team that includes council, staff and input from the public, and a willingness to listen and to build consensus.
Reading the candidate’s post did not leave me concerned. In fact, it left me hopeful. The candidate’s post ends with an invitation for the public to reach out to him. My family did so as part of our candidate research. In conversation I found this candidate to be thoughtful, experienced, knowledgeable, skilful and caring.
We were impressed by his commitment to build an inclusive community where the voices of elected officials, staff members and citizens are listened to and heard.
Joanne Mitchell,
Fergus