Winnable? Yes. Kitchener Centre Is Going Green
Strategic voting has its place, but not in Kitchener Centre - not this year.
Back on February 1st - 262 days before the election - I made the decision to run to represent Kitchener Centre in Parliament.
In my very first email to friends, I made clear - this isn’t about making a statement, or influencing the conversation. This is about meaningful change - this is about getting elected!
This is about going to Ottawa at a time when people are calling for real action on climate change, addressing affordability and turning down partisan politics for the sake of our community’s well being.
It’s not time for idle conversation and deflecting questions with partisan talking points.
It is time to be honest. We don’t have all the answers and we need to start asking the right questions!
I am excited to say that in Kitchener Centre, Greens are polling in second, gaining momentum and closing the gap every day! Additionally, for those who were worried about vote-splitting, leaving room for Conservatives, the numbers tell the story. You can vote for something - not against what you fear.
Be hopeful - having a minority government, with mixed representation, has worked before and it can work again!
Yes, it will not always be easy, but I am ready to be your voice.
As your representative, I promise to:
Be honest about what I know and what I don’t - asking tough questions when needed.
Work respectfully across party lines - addressing social injustices, socio-economic struggles and environmental concerns.
Always speak up for what is best for our community - even if that means disagreeing with other members of the party or house.
It’s Your Choice
You are in the midst of writing an epic story for Kitchener Centre.
Our campaign is in a very similar position as Mike Schreiner’s (Green MPP for Guelph). We are going to doors a second time, local polls are showing Greens in second place and there are hundreds of volunteers knocking on doors, making calls and helping out around the office.
In Guelph, once the community realized they could vote for who they wanted, instead of against who they feared, it wasn’t close. Mike won by over 14,000 votes. This is happening in Kitchener Centre.
You can be one of the thousands of people who will be voting for less partisanship, more integrity and real action on issues that matter to our community!
On October 21st, you have the power to shape the future of Kitchener Centre.
It has been over 258 days since I began all of this. My opinion from February 1st is the same as it is now. Over the next few days, I will continue working hard to earn your trust and your vote.
To everyone in this community - if you have volunteered on any campaign, talked to neighbours, watched debates, read articles, answered your door, picked up your phone, opened emails, saw the signs, or sat back to watch it all unfold - thank you for engaging.
I am excited to be your MP over the next four years.
Yes, this is winnable.
Best,
Mike
PS. I do hope you decide to vote.
The Journey - A Simplified Time Line
By March 6th, I had won the Green Party nomination and local party membership had doubled!
229 days out, we were in a winnable position.
By the end of March, thanks to many of you, we’d raised more money than the previous Green campaign raised over the entire election!
204 days out, we were in a winnable position.
By May 4th, I’d already hosted a handful of kitchen table conversations. We held our first door-to-door canvass and the team had swelled in size to over 100 volunteers!
170 days out, we were in a winnable position.
On May 16, 500+ people, including Elizabeth May, gathered at Catalyst 137 to officially launched the campaign!
158 days out, we were in a winnable position.
Present Day
3 Days out - we are in a winnable position.
