Zeeshan is right about the signs. They do create name recognition with voters as people drive or walk by them, they remember the name. Ive had a number of people who are newer to Milton call and email me requesting information, questions, and lawn signs due to seeing one of them in their neighbourhood.
I like to call them a necessary evil of politics. I also do hope that residents take the time to research the candidates for each of the positions and come to their own conclusions. I have tried my best to personally visit every door, but with 15,000 homes in wards 1,6,7,8 its been a difficult task. With less than 40 days to go before election day, I am going to be working hard to get to as many people as possible and give them reasons why they should elect me for Regional Councillor in wards 1,6,7,8.
Like Zeeshan there are a couple of candidates who dont live in the ward (on is in ward 2 and the other in ward 5) No matter waht ward you live in, find the list of candidates, visit their websites, call or email them with questions and make your choice to see who is more suited to represent you on council.
I'll see you at the doors.
Mike
Zeeshan Hamid wrote:
freemantrailfamily wrote:
I wish more people researched the job and made informed choices rather than who's sign they remember or who came to their door. The system would work better.
To give people a benefit of doubt, it is possible that signs create name recognition which then encourages residents to research candidates.
In 2010 I knocked on each door in my ward twice. I had two additional literature drops (so a total of four literature drops). And yet I met residents who had never seen any of my literature, mostly because they tossed whatever came to their door in the recycling bin without looking at it. Sign, as annoying and in-your-face they are, force us on residents.
For better or worse, I am the best option in ward 8. One candidate doesn't even live here, others moved to Milton a few short months ago (heck one is so new that he is running for the Milton *City* Council, even though there is no such office in Milton, it being a town and all).
So if I don't use signs then even knocking on each door will only introduce me to ~20% of residents (most people aren't home, don't want to talk etc). Others won't even know to research me.
Signs, sadly, are a necessary evil in campaigning. I say if you can't beat them then join them and host a sign yourself
Zeeshan Hamid
_________________
Mike Cluett
Local/Regional Councillor
Wards 1,6,7 & 8
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