Our team was out this past Saturday in the south-end of the Ward speaking with residents.
It was encouraging to see how many of them want change. The issues varied from taxes to community safety to transit to bike lanes to our lakefront but one theme stayed the same, change at Ajax Council.
One resident noted that although it seems great Ajax Council can work together, it is also disappointing to rarely see debate. To not debate a budget is alarming, said the resident on Seabreeze and I agree with him.
I'm looking forward to door knocking more and more often as the weather gets nicer.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Ward Four, Here We Come!
Today, at 10:30 am, I was pleased to formally enter the race
in Ajax’s Ward Four.
Ward Four has a special place in my heart because it is
where I grew up. It’s where I went to school, worked, played and where I
founded the Ajax Youth Council five years ago.
I’m looking forward to a positive, clean and progressive
campaign that focuses on the issues facing Ajax and Ward Four.
I will be launching my campaign website later on today which
will outline my platform and everything else surrounding the campaign.
Thank you for the outpour of support and I look forward to
being elected in October.
Friday, September 7, 2012
5 Years Later...
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
MCALEER TO SEEK YOUTH REGIONAL CHAIRMANSHIP
McAleer to run for Durham Youth Chair
It’s a brief retirement for Kurtis McAleer. The Former Youth Mayor announced today that he will be seeking the Chair of the new Durham Youth Council which meets in October for the first time.
McAleer, who just retired from the Ajax Youth Council in early August, said he was convinced because no one else had the experience to Chair the new Youth Council.
“After speaking with the majority of appointees to Durham Youth Council, I realized that most don’t have the experience that I do in the Chair’s position. I had to be convinced by some people but I didn’t have to think too hard about returning.” Said McAleer
McAleer said he expects he will be easily appointed as Chair but said he welcomes anyone wishing to challenge him.
“I’m sure I’ll be able to get the votes but I’d be happy to face a challenge.” Said McAleer
McAleer said that he will only serve as Chair as long as needed.
“I don’t intend on serving more than one term. I hope that I can help build this organization then move on.” Said McAleer
The Inaugural Meeting of the Durham Youth Council will be taking place in October.
It’s a brief retirement for Kurtis McAleer. The Former Youth Mayor announced today that he will be seeking the Chair of the new Durham Youth Council which meets in October for the first time.
McAleer, who just retired from the Ajax Youth Council in early August, said he was convinced because no one else had the experience to Chair the new Youth Council.
“After speaking with the majority of appointees to Durham Youth Council, I realized that most don’t have the experience that I do in the Chair’s position. I had to be convinced by some people but I didn’t have to think too hard about returning.” Said McAleer
McAleer said he expects he will be easily appointed as Chair but said he welcomes anyone wishing to challenge him.
“I’m sure I’ll be able to get the votes but I’d be happy to face a challenge.” Said McAleer
McAleer said that he will only serve as Chair as long as needed.
“I don’t intend on serving more than one term. I hope that I can help build this organization then move on.” Said McAleer
The Inaugural Meeting of the Durham Youth Council will be taking place in October.
Friday, August 12, 2011
McAleer Retires as Youth Mayor
Youth Mayor, Kurtis McAleer announced today that he will be stepping aside as Youth Mayor to focus on his education.
“It’s been an honour to serve our youth since 2009, this has been an experience I’ll never forget.” Said McAleer during his speech to Youth Council.
McAleer, who founded the Youth Council in 2009 has been re-elected 3 times and most recently won re-election with 78% of the vote.
Before his time on Youth Council, McAleer served as a Member of Youth Parliament, Youth Cabinet Minister and as Leader of the Canadian Youth Assembly Progressive Conservatives.
Yesterday, at an in-camera meeting, McAleer announced his retirement. Youth Council also voted to appoint Krystal Doggrell as the new Youth Mayor over veteran Deputy Youth Mayor, Robert Doggrell and popular Deputy Youth Mayor, Carly Lambe.
“I am proud to have served with him and honoured that I will be taking over for him as Youth Mayor.” Said Doggrell
Doggrell said her first move as Youth Mayor will be to review the committee structure of Youth Council.
“We need to reduce our committees. We currently have 5 committees which is too many in my eyes.” Said Doggrell
Youth Councillors Harper, Shorts, Carriere & Anike support Doggrell’s appointment while Lambe & R. Doggrell supported the appointment of Carly Lambe as Youth Mayor.
Doggrell has asked McAleer to serve as her senior advisor. He is expected to take on the new role.
“It’s been an honour to serve our youth since 2009, this has been an experience I’ll never forget.” Said McAleer during his speech to Youth Council.
McAleer, who founded the Youth Council in 2009 has been re-elected 3 times and most recently won re-election with 78% of the vote.
Before his time on Youth Council, McAleer served as a Member of Youth Parliament, Youth Cabinet Minister and as Leader of the Canadian Youth Assembly Progressive Conservatives.
Yesterday, at an in-camera meeting, McAleer announced his retirement. Youth Council also voted to appoint Krystal Doggrell as the new Youth Mayor over veteran Deputy Youth Mayor, Robert Doggrell and popular Deputy Youth Mayor, Carly Lambe.
“I am proud to have served with him and honoured that I will be taking over for him as Youth Mayor.” Said Doggrell
Doggrell said her first move as Youth Mayor will be to review the committee structure of Youth Council.
“We need to reduce our committees. We currently have 5 committees which is too many in my eyes.” Said Doggrell
Youth Councillors Harper, Shorts, Carriere & Anike support Doggrell’s appointment while Lambe & R. Doggrell supported the appointment of Carly Lambe as Youth Mayor.
Doggrell has asked McAleer to serve as her senior advisor. He is expected to take on the new role.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Youth Mayor & Council Fight To Reduce Transit Costs
Press Release
Youth Mayor & Council push for $2.00 Student Fare
Monday, June 13, 2011 (Ajax, Ontario) – Ajax Youth Mayor, Kurtis McAleer & Youth Councillors have geared up to lobby Durham Region to reduce the student bus fare to $2.00.
The campaign, which was re-launched this weekend, is asking Durham Council to motion to reduce the student rate to $2.00, currently student fares are on the increase with them going up again on July 1st to $2.90 .
Currently, the campaign has gained some early supporters including Pickering’s Deputy Mayor, Doug Dickerson as well as Oshawa Youth Council Co-Founder, Nicholas Quintyn. All members of Ajax Youth Council have also endorsed the campaign through resolution.
The campaign is in its early stages, a new website has been launched at www.ReduceIt.tk and an online petition has also been started. “Hard-copy” petitions will soon be sent into schools to gain signatures.
Youth Mayor, Kurtis McAleer and Ajax Youth Councillor, Jeramie Carriere are the Co-Chairs of campaign. McAleer brings political experience and Carriere brings grassroots to the campaign. McAleer will be meeting with Councillors across the Region looking for support while Carriere will be working on endorsements and petition signatures.
McAleer says that an open house is in the works and will likely be held in July.
-30-
Kurtis McAleer, Campaign Co-Chair
E – KurtisMcAleer@hotmail.com
P – (905) 626-2271
W – www.ReduceIt.tk
Youth Mayor & Council push for $2.00 Student Fare
Monday, June 13, 2011 (Ajax, Ontario) – Ajax Youth Mayor, Kurtis McAleer & Youth Councillors have geared up to lobby Durham Region to reduce the student bus fare to $2.00.
The campaign, which was re-launched this weekend, is asking Durham Council to motion to reduce the student rate to $2.00, currently student fares are on the increase with them going up again on July 1st to $2.90 .
Currently, the campaign has gained some early supporters including Pickering’s Deputy Mayor, Doug Dickerson as well as Oshawa Youth Council Co-Founder, Nicholas Quintyn. All members of Ajax Youth Council have also endorsed the campaign through resolution.
The campaign is in its early stages, a new website has been launched at www.ReduceIt.tk and an online petition has also been started. “Hard-copy” petitions will soon be sent into schools to gain signatures.
Youth Mayor, Kurtis McAleer and Ajax Youth Councillor, Jeramie Carriere are the Co-Chairs of campaign. McAleer brings political experience and Carriere brings grassroots to the campaign. McAleer will be meeting with Councillors across the Region looking for support while Carriere will be working on endorsements and petition signatures.
McAleer says that an open house is in the works and will likely be held in July.
-30-
Kurtis McAleer, Campaign Co-Chair
E – KurtisMcAleer@hotmail.com
P – (905) 626-2271
W – www.ReduceIt.tk
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Addressing Homophobia and Bullying
After the multiple suicides this month, after Nazi comments have been thrown around and after messages being sent to me trying to debate gay rights has made me think that it is time to address homophobia and human rights.
Over the past month, I have received numerous messages about the Sherry Clymer incident and now more recently about the homophobic bullying that has caused many unfortunate suicides.
During the Rally we had earlier this month I received messages saying that we were "bullying Sherry Clymer" and that we could drive people to vote for her.
1) We didn't bully anyone, we stood up to the bully.
2) Everyone in Ajax politics knows that Sherry Clymer didn't stand a chance to begin with.
Tonight, after "An Evening of Hope", which was an event to remember Shaq Wisdom, an event to end bullying against the LGBTQ community, I got into a heated debate on facebook with someone about the topic of bullying.
The conversation started out with a simple question of "Are you wearing pink this month for breast cancer awareness" and I responded saying yes, and I am trying to wearing purple as much as I can to stand up to bullying.
The person responded saying "f*** purple these gays are just promoting their hidden agenda... i understand bullying is a problem but why don't we address bully as a whole and not just one issue"
(I put the stars in... not the person who was talking)
This debate went on for an hour and it was the same thing being repeated by this person. "I'm Christian" and "I'm a Social Conservative" were the two lines that kept being said.
I simply told this person that it's not up for him to decide who gets human rights and who doesn't, I also told him that it's not up to him to choose who someone can love and who they cant.
As a PROUD supporter of the LGBTQ community, I will continue to stand up and stand with anyone who has been bullied physically, verbally or mentally. It's time to end homophobia! This is 2010!
We need to end homophobia TODAY! Please join with me and so many others and support out LGBTQ friends.
Over the past month, I have received numerous messages about the Sherry Clymer incident and now more recently about the homophobic bullying that has caused many unfortunate suicides.
During the Rally we had earlier this month I received messages saying that we were "bullying Sherry Clymer" and that we could drive people to vote for her.
1) We didn't bully anyone, we stood up to the bully.
2) Everyone in Ajax politics knows that Sherry Clymer didn't stand a chance to begin with.
Tonight, after "An Evening of Hope", which was an event to remember Shaq Wisdom, an event to end bullying against the LGBTQ community, I got into a heated debate on facebook with someone about the topic of bullying.
The conversation started out with a simple question of "Are you wearing pink this month for breast cancer awareness" and I responded saying yes, and I am trying to wearing purple as much as I can to stand up to bullying.
The person responded saying "f*** purple these gays are just promoting their hidden agenda... i understand bullying is a problem but why don't we address bully as a whole and not just one issue"
(I put the stars in... not the person who was talking)
This debate went on for an hour and it was the same thing being repeated by this person. "I'm Christian" and "I'm a Social Conservative" were the two lines that kept being said.
I simply told this person that it's not up for him to decide who gets human rights and who doesn't, I also told him that it's not up to him to choose who someone can love and who they cant.
As a PROUD supporter of the LGBTQ community, I will continue to stand up and stand with anyone who has been bullied physically, verbally or mentally. It's time to end homophobia! This is 2010!
We need to end homophobia TODAY! Please join with me and so many others and support out LGBTQ friends.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)