Someone asked me if I could post my opening and closing comments from the All Candidates Meeting on Monday night. Here goes:
Opening:
The old axiom “the whole is equal to the sum of its parts” could benefit by reading the SUM and QUALITY of its parts.
BECAUSE:
IF we find ourselves walking past someone sleeping on the street
IF economic development is pursued with disregard for healthy sustainability
IF we ignore our citizens’ basic expectations of equal treatment and approachable and transparent leadership
IF we fail to respect and protect our heritage
IF any of these elements falls short….so does the WHOLE.
The important aspect of economic prosperity including our ability to develop such fine facilities as where we are tonight cannot be the main elements alone by which we measure out success.
The social well-being of all your citizens, the health of our environment and sustainability of our community are equally important.
As a councilor, I will offer my perspective, my business skills, and track record of getting things done so we don’t fall short.
I’m Pat Squire and I look forward to your support on November 15.
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Closing:
I want to thank all of you for attending this evening and wish all my fellow candidates the best.
In the weeks and months leading up to tonight, many here have met me in numerous locations across this city. I went there to talk with you and discover the issues you see as important to Nanaimo.
To me, I find it more desirable to ask someone what they need than dictate what they get.
What emerged in those conversations was not as the paper would have us believe a desire for something like a multiplex but issues much closer to home: issues such as:
Homelessness
Transparency on city council
Transit, and
the healthy sustainability of our city.
Even moreso:
The need to be heard
A desire for strong, connected neighbourhoods, having a voice in community decision making
In addition there was a consistent acknowledgement that a change of council was due!
Your opportunity is now, and I am here to be part of it.
So through our rich diversity and common needs, let’s build our community together.
I’m Pat Squire. Good night.
