Five years since my first political campaign. I was 12 turning 13 when I started campaigning for local PC candidate, Kevin Ashe. I lost that one.
5 years later and I've done more in my political life than I expected.
I served as a Youth Member of Parliament, a Youth Cabinet Minister, a Youth Mayor and just when I thought I was done with youth politics, I became the Youth Chair of Durham, a position I still hold.
It's been a roller coaster ride, lots of highs and lows and even more in between.
Over 5 years, I believe that I have stood by my principals. I have and will continue to support candidates I believe in over political parties or partisanship.
I've had the pleasure of working with many great politicians including Durham Chairman, Roger Anderson, Mayor Dave Ryan, Councillors Kevin Ashe, Doug Dickerson, David Pickles & Marilyn Crawford. I also had the pleasure of working with former Regional Councillors Rick Johnson and Scott Crawford, who both served for over 20 years on council, and I got to work closely with both of them and learn the ropes.
I also, after promising for campaigns, got to work with former MP, Mark Holland. Mark & I, despite political differences always had a cordial relationship and despite me working against Mark during a grueling campaign in 2008, Mark was always there to lend support for Youth Council and many other endeavours of mine. Mark was a great constituent MP and is a great communicator. My bet is that Mark will return as our MP in Ajax or Pickering in 2015.
I've also had the chance to work with Pickering Deputy Mayor, Doug Dickerson. Doug, a political vet who has campaigned his entire life, has been my go-to for tough questions. I met Doug in 2007 while working on Kevin Ashe's campaign. Doug was the car canvass king and helped us rip through a quarter of the Ajax-Pickering riding in one day. I've learned over the years of working with Doug that he is a straight shooter and a man of character. You can count on Doug, if he gives you his word he sticks to it! His wife, Jo-Ann is also a campaign vet who I also met in 2007 when she had me sorting out lit on my first campaign while we both watched our favourite soap opera, the Young & Restless.
Last but not least is Councillor Kevin Ashe. I worked for Kevin in 2007 on his provincial campaign where he knocked doors all day, everyday. Whenever I was out canvassing, Kevin was to. When Kevin decided to seek a seat back on Pickering Council, I quickly said yes to joining the campaign. We started campaigning 7 months before election day. We canvassed for hours everyday, in the cold, rain and snow. It paid off, we won that campaign. It was a campaign that proved that hard work and dedication pays off. The last point to make, is that Kevin has always been there for every charitable cause I've fundraised for. Kids Help Phone, Terry Fox, Ajax Youth Council, Durham Youth Council, my campaigns and SO MANY MORE, Kevin has always been there and is always ready to support local charities!
It's been a long five years, but I'm looking forward to the next 5, and beyond that.
