A Community Calls: The Path to Mayor for Amanda McDougall

Amanda McDougall was successful in her bid to become Councillor for District 8 in the CBRM on her second try in 2016. Like her colleague Kendra Coombes, she left a veteran council member shaken and dumbfounded in their defeat. The incumbents didn’t think it would happen. McDougall and Coombes broke through the false perception that it couldn’t be done.

Since then McDougall has emerged as one of the most well respected young leaders in the CBRM. With Mayor Clarke’s popularity falling fast and his time as Mayor diminishing, a renewed conversation about the next CBRM leader is happening.

The growing demand for McDougall to take on the role is so strong that even suggestions of a return of Mayor John Morgan, the champion of Equalization, have been rejected by some. They say he was the past, and she is the future.

Much of this support germinated from seeing her go head to head in debate with veteran politicians at Council and consistently come out on top. With decades of political experience, Mayor Clarke has rarely appeared as flustered as he does on the occasions when he targets McDougall, and she returns fire.

A closer look at her background reveals why her leadership abilities were predictable all along.

With a mom who was a nurse, her dad a peacekeeper in the Canadian Armed Forces, her uncle a lawyer who would become a judge, and many family members actively involved in the community, the virtue of service was constantly demonstrated around her.

Growing up, McDougall felt an immense and developing sense of wanting to help others.

Young McDougall loved people and had a “soft heart” for those in need early on. She remembers begging her mom to sponsor ten impoverished children in Africa when the Sunday fundraising appeals aired on TV.

Not surprisingly, this same little girl found herself a long way from home, in Guatemala, as a young adult after graduating from CBU. There her role was to research land reforms, post-genocide of the Maya Achi people. Her experience there further reinforced her calling to serve others.

“I knew from that moment on I would focus on social justice and devote my future career paths to the service of others.”

Starting out as a freshman with an English Literature major, Amanda credits an “eccentric” professor in her introductory Political Science course with changing the course of her educational path.

She realized the tools of the democratic process would allow her to “challenge the norm” and “could be a way to give voice to those most in need.”

As a CBRM councillor, she began to do precisely that. She quickly challenged the norm, causing the mayor and some veteran councillors to set their sights on her. If the question was how she would respond, the answer she gave lead to a growing confidence that the people of the CBRM were watching someone with the kind of vision and fighting spirit that we’ll need sitting in the mayor’s chair if we’re going to try to turn things around.

McDougall’s need for exploration also drew her to significant travel early on. She went to Australia after high school and visited several neighbouring European countries during her three years living, studying, and working in Milan, Italy. There she would become trilingual with English, French, and Italian languages. But Cape Breton still had a firm hold on her heart.

“The Island called me back when it came down to thinking about where I wanted to settle down and raise a family I couldn't imagine being so far from my family.”

Amanda is happy with the choice to trade a smog obscured view of the Alps for the fresh air and direct view of the ocean in the small fishing village of Main-a-Dieu. She says the decision was easy in the end, as she now wakes up “in my little fishing village where the air is fresh and people genuinely care about you.”

Ironically, it was a threat to that very ocean ecosystem that further steered her towards a political role. She was heavily involved in fighting for the removal of the MV Miner wreckage, a 223-metre bulk carrier that ran aground off Scatarie Island. Though eventually successful, over four years the countless meetings and frustrations with dealing with government officials left her dissatisfied with the process.

“It was the catalyst for me wanting to become an elected official because I knew change was needed in representation.”

Never one to stay idle or uninvolved, Amanda worked with CBU as the Manager of Immigration Partnerships, and with the Cape Breton Partnership as the Industry Sector Researcher where she tried to match available immigration streams with regional labour needs.

Now that she is Councillor of District 8 in the CBRM, her new role in municipal politics certainly isn’t easy, but she’s more than up to the challenge.

“Some days are really hard, when you can't seem to find a solution to anything and everyone is frustrated,  those days play hard on the head and heart, but the days that you can say ‘I helped someone’ far outweigh any previous frustrations.”

She’s struggled with herself to realize that she “simply cannot be in 10 places at once” and cannot fail to find time for her family and friends, and personal time to ensure she can stay “on top of [her] game.”

A quote from Mother Teresa is one of her favourite guiding mantras:

Do small things with great love

Amanda says she accepts that she cannot fix everything in the community immediately or on her own within the limits of her Council role, but she knows she “can do small things for people each day and be genuine in [her] concern and care for people.”

Her first year and a half as a CBRM councillor have been busy. She secured the position as the CBRM delegate to the Solid Waste Resource Management Regional Chairs Committee and joined the Cape Breton Regional Library board and the Fire Services committee. She travelled to Ottawa for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference in the Spring, and again to Ottawa to speak as a regional expert to the Parliament of Canada’s Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration in the Fall. She’s also embraced the fight for Equalization fairness and knows that representing the communities concerns on provincial and federal issues is a part of the duties of CBRM Mayor and Council.

Around the table at the CBRM Council, Amanda has spoken boldly as a progressive, energized new councillor who sometimes finds herself in challenging positions on some issues that are at odds with her colleagues. But she judges herself based on her follow through on her election promises, and not yielding to the status quo. She doesn’t back down.

“It is certainly much easier to say you are going to do things differently and inspire creative change than actually standing up and fighting to do it. I have seen how easy it might be to sit back and just let the same old continue to roll, but the guilt of not doing what I promised would be far too heavy of a burden to carry.”

Amanda says she isn't interested in political photo opportunities. She has her sights set on the legislative tools and the power they have to help people when used effectively. And while she is interested in taking on greater political roles in the future, at this time she is focused on the task at hand, is learning rapidly, and will ensure she is fully prepared for future responsibilities when the time comes.

For now, the shores of Main-a-Dieu are her place to reset and prepare for each day’s new challenges. No matter if it’s a gale force wind or a hot sunny day, Amanda, her loved ones, and her dog Missy stretch their legs on the beach and keep a watchful eye for new sea glass treasure.

She may soon have to give greater contemplation to the calls for her to be Mayor. The support from the community doesn’t come from what she’s promised. The support comes from watching what she has done, and the growing belief in what she is capable of doing for our community of communities.

On Canada Day we’re reminded that great people working together make great things possible. The CBRM just so happens to have a great leadership option in Amanda McDougall that elevates our expectations of what is possible for our future.

NOTE: The views expressed above are my own and do not represent lokol (goCapeBreton.com). Read more

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Dave duChene Follow Me
She would have my support.
Charles Sampson Follow Me
John Morgan has informed people that he will be running for mayor next municipal election. He will have my support when that happens. No doubt a few people will not be happy because he is nonpartisan and none of the parties supported his efforts to the fair distribution of the federal Equalization Payments to the many under funded municipalities. With the additional information provided by NSEF re: Equalization Payments, the public realizes his lone effort on that issue was the correct thing to pursue. NSEF has done research that SHOULD have been done by the CBRM Council. Because of councillors’ political party loyalty over the years this struggle had to be done by a volunteer group. Without that lone battle waged by John Morgan against the well-entrenched manipulation of this public money, this community would have no real answer to the government’s policy of economically promoting the Capital Region at the expense of rural Nova Scotia. John Morgan is my choice for mayor.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
I think it's quite exciting to have the possibility of Morgan running. A matchup between him and McDougall would be fantastic for the CBRM. Who has Mayor Morgan informed? Has he officially communicated to the NSEF as an organization that he is running?
Charles Sampson Follow Me
He has informed a number of people of his intentions to run. NSEF was not officially informed. Given there is over two years to the next election, who has Amanda informed, officially or unofficially, of her plans to run for mayor?
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Amanda McDougall hasn't indicated that she is running for mayor. My article talks about her prospects as a strong candidate, and how there is a growing call for her to run. Her political decisions are up to her. I believe she's indicated that she's remaining focused on the job at hand. Sometimes the best leaders are those we need to convince that we need them, as opposed to the ones who see it as a career and are focused primarily on what is best for them. Again, I'm excited by the possibility of Morgan reentering political life in Cape Breton. However, he hasn't been active, and I am curious if it was him who stated his interest, or just supporters who are calling upon him, like I am with McDougall, to run. I do have one personal contact who I consider a very reliable source who says that Morgan is in, so that increases my confidence in the possibility. I would love to see Mayor Morgan begin writing and engaging in the discussion. He can have considerable influence over the political climate right now, long before entering into the mayoral race. Geoff MacLellan was another option that's been floated. But all I keep hearing through the grapevine is that he's in, out, then in again, then out again, in, out, not sure, maybe, in, out, etc.
Charles Sampson Follow Me
John Morgan made HIS contacts to tell them of HIS intentions to run next election.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Thank you for clarifying, Charles. I'm hopeful his contacts are aware of how influential his voice is in local politics at present time and encourage him to weigh in soon on the topics of the day. I also certainly think it was a good idea for you to post a teaser comment here on this topic. People will be eager to see if he still has the "stuff", if he's coming armed with new strategies, or what version 2 of Mayor Morgan will look like.
Charles Sampson Follow Me
Joe, whatever the “stuff” entails in your comment, apparently Morgan was alone ahead of the curve in seeking to depoliticize the federal Equalization Payments. NSEF’s efforts has helped to highlight governments’ manipulation Morgan had tried to end. The official campaign is still over two years away.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
The "stuff" is his unique combination of skills and leadership abilities that lead him to be such a popular mayor.
Charles Sampson Follow Me
Leadership had him trying to have higher levels of government be transparent and accountable to his constituents...something our politicians have intentionally and deliberately refused to do. His leadership had him leading his council, which were playing the party line and were often critical. Today, the public is more aware of what Morgan was trying to correct for the large support he received from the electorate who placed their trust in his efforts.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Yes, I agree. I'm excited to see more of that kind of leadership. I'm looking forward to hearing him weigh in on Equalization after seeing all the NSEF group has achieved in the past year.
Charles Sampson Follow Me
NSEF’s success of late is greatly attributed to Fr. Al Maroun and Russell Green’s efforts in effectively mobilizing the social media. Also, there are a large number of other volunteers behind this operation that are essential to this success. Joe, when election time arrives, it will be an interesting time to see what happens.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Absolutely. Your entire NSEF team and supporters have been doing an absolutely outstanding job. I would never have predicted that the resurgence in interest and demand for a fair share would have happened so quickly - but you all pulled it off. Kudos, and thank you for fighting for us all!
Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me
"The growing demand for McDougall to take on the role is so strong that even suggestions of a return of Mayor John Morgan, the champion of Equalization, have been rejected by some. They say he was the past, and she is the future." Seems a tad bit arcane, this group - "rejected by some", "They say he was the past". Do "they" know what a proper CBRM operating budget amounts to based on our population? Likely not. Do "they" care that this budget shortfall could be bolstered by simply one of five categories of equalization? Likely not. Do "some" recognize how silent these sitting incumbents have been on this funding? Likely not again... Oh well - it is certainly going to be interesting. Do the entrenched powers of the region need a worthy replacement for Cecil Clarke and boat-rockers need not apply? How does one separate the baseline positions of two people seemingly agreeing on the way the province handles the budgetary requirements of the CBRM? Is that one category of equalization the most important missing piece of the sustainability puzzle for this region? With a "yes" response to that question, how have Clarke and McDougall separated themselves from each other over the years? Prioritizing will ultimately affect efficiency in managing the CBRM day-to-day. If funding and provincial initiatives haven't been prioritized by either of these candidates up to now, what makes one think that this is miraculously going to change in a swap? It's something to see - JM's legacy as a proven fighter getting brushed aside in an article supporting AMD's future potential. Resembles the moment where Whalley's report was shot down at council by a political science prof at CBU.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
It matters very little what the commenters from social media knew about the concerns you raised. The statement you quoted reflected their sentiment. As we well know, there's a big difference between public sentiment and the level of public knowledge of any given topic. The only candidate that even remotely comes close to the concept of "boat-rocker" among the rumoured or confirmed mayoral candidates at this time is McDougall. To suggest that Clarke and McDougall are aligned on their position as it relates to Equalization seems to be an uninformed and/or unsubstantiated statement. Legacies don't keep the lights on. John has no intention of running for mayor now–having committed to the NDP for a provincial run. How McDougall is seen to the public relative to John, given his immense popularity, has value only in understanding the strength of her support and potential for success with her campaign. Suggesting that she's seen favourably in comparison to John Morgan is a compliment to Morgan. After years of departure from office and no public profile, people still treat him as a benchmark.
Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me
Legacies actually do keep the lights on. JM started down a path to greater sovereignty in this region and that beacon shines brightly to this day through the NSEF, from what I can see from the outside looking in. I'd like to take your "The only candidate that even remotely comes close..among the rumoured or confirmed..." as a matter of fact but public knowledge of a certain number of topics might rule that statement out, easily. I'll continue to check to see who motioned what on behalf of the NSEF the last 4 years. Keep fighting the fight.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Here's to future leadership, the people that are stepping up to take on the role. May they be inspired by those who came before them, but press onwards with their own visions. Do you think there is a front-runner among McDougall, Clarke, Abbass, and MacKinnon so far?
Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me
I don't do crystal ball gazing - I'm looking at incumbent efficiency. I see McDougall and Clarke as being one in the same in certain regards and I know people don't want to hear that but the NSEF file and the environmental initiatives speak volumes at this stage - both AMD and CC have the same record from what I can see. Abbass is an unknown to me Being that I grew up in a fishing community full of leaders in economic stability and self-sacrifice, I don't cringe at Archie's vernacular and expect that he would rely on a true citizen's assembly and public participation to move forward, as a community. I don't think we should rule people out based on their presentation skills and PR at this stage. Cape Breton has not had fighters as of late, simply status quo tacticians looking for opportunities to advance their own personal portfolios. Vision is important - inclusive economies and shared resources must be kept in the forefront. I wish whoever wins the strength to put residents first. The SDG Act provides a vision that can't be wielded by one person at the helm - interesting times Joe!
Lynn Hussey Follow Me
That is interesting. I worry that Archie doesn't have enough experience to do the job/that's my only worry. He Certainly has the heart for it there's no doubt about that. He's a loyal Cape Bretoner through and through but is that enough? I also Know that AMD is as well, or she would've high tailed it out of here for greener pastures long ago. She's passionate about making Cape Breton a better place. She also has the experience. Just my opinion.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
He has heart, but that's not enough. He's too reactive and abrasive and has spent the last 48 hours focusing more energy on spreading fake news about McDougall than he has on actually telling people what he's all about, what his plan is, or showing an ability to keep his focus on Cecil Clarke—the only reason he ever considered running in the first place. In his CBC interview and debate for his MP bid, he was not able to articulate himself. Granted, his heart has taken him farther than anyone expected. He certainly exceeded the expectations of everyone but perhaps himself in his independent bid for Sydney Victoria. Kudos to him for such a strong performance. Presuming Clarke is about to announce, as he hinted at last week, Archie actually runs the risk of stealing enough votes to hand the mayor's seat back to Clarke for a third term. He was a spoiler in the MP campaign, keeping Orrell out of Ottawa, and he might just end up being the guy that does the opposite of what he's always wanted: getting Cecil Clarke out of the CBRM.
Lynn Hussey Follow Me
I gave up reading Archie's comments. It was frustrating! He had lots to say but nothing to back it up. Not even the basics. The fact alone that someone would personally bash or spread stories tells me that's someone I'd NEVER support. He just doesn't 'have it' for what it would take to do the job. You're right he might end up doing the opposite of what he's hoping for. He's too stubborn to give up though. He'll keep on like a bull in a china shop. Sorry Archie but it just won't work. Just my humble opinion.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Very interesting. I'm curious how you might come to the conclusion that Archie MacKinnon has demonstrated the ability to be effective in the mayoral role beyond the cringeworthy vernacular you mentioned. What in particular beyond (as he says) "his mouth" would be a key skill to make progress? Cecil Clarke is well known, during his time as an MLA, to have proactively and overtly worked against increasing Equalization to the CBRM, making arguments against it, going so far as to mock Mayor John Morgan in the media. As mayor, he has not been an advocate and actually declared that Tim Houston was irresponsible for pledging millions more for the CBRM "$15 Million"—prior to any further analysis—during Clarke's moonlighting period as both mayor and PC leadership candidate. During his PC campaign, his alternative financial strategy for the CBRM (re: Equalization) actually described a scenario where the transfer was eliminated completely, giving more power to the province to select capital projects. Keep in mind, the province is where he had his political sights set at that time. The three progressive councillors (McDougall, MacMullin, and Combes) challenged this immediately in social media, traditional media, and at an NSEF in-person event. I'm curious how any thoughtful analysis could come up with the conclusion that McDougall should be classified as "one in the same in certain regards" with Cecil Clarke. To me, that's a profoundly distorted take.
Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me
Actually, Joe, the cringe-worthy vernacular is your statement - a term that I use when referencing those who have a tendency to look down their noses at people who actually speak and act like Cape Bretoners - I observe this all the time. Archie's effectiveness will be on his ability to actually deliver a rather strategic message to the province. He is wise to be running on an equalization-centric platform. AMD and CC had the last 4 years to figure out how they were going to approach the province. How did that work out for them?/us? Thoughtful analysis isn't for everyone - if you are emotionally attached to a particular candidate without jumping into the due diligence on their performance, there is a good chance that analysis will be overlooked. The "certain regards" don't need clarification. As the campaign progresses, those finer points will surface I'm sure. I'm assuming CC and council didn't understand over the years what a coastal entity with a population near 100K needs. Perhaps the idea of 23.1% (2018/19) of the total transfer being provided on our tax deficiency didn't raise any red flags - especially since in the same years our residential taxes were +70% higher than those of the HRM. Perhaps EQ keeps those tax rates low in HRM? I don't want to be too critical but I have been surprised by what some people consider progressive. My analysis includes provincial programs and my take on who should have been leading in this regard is not distorted by any means. I think Archie would be first to lead the MLAs in by their ears and read them the riot act on a few things involving these programs and applications.
Mathew Georghiou Follow Me
Based on my recent observations and personal experience with mayoral candidate Archie MacKinnon, he spread lies and conspiracy theories, showed no willingness to have rationale discussion, and acted just plain nasty. I hear people say his heart is in the right place, but they may not have seen this other side of him and it is unbecoming of someone who wants our most important local community leadership role. In any event, this type of behavior will accomplish nothing in local politics because it will simply alienate everyone he needs to get things done. I was very surprised and disappointed by what I had experienced and do not like writing it out here but feel it necessary for people to see this other side before they decide who to support.
Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me
I'm not providing excuses for anyone's online behaviour. I've seen Joe in a few skirmishes and know better than to judge anyone too harshly for their online presence. I guess people get backed into a corner when judged by things like linguistic proficiency when all the forked-tongue status quo protectors thus far appear to be lacking the heart and drive we all need here. CC would look great on a tourism video but the reality is at our operating budget, the only thing that may not be falling in around might be the Cabot Trail and points of entry. I think people need to understand incumbent performance before they can make a proper decision. It's likely they will get caught up in the character flaws. People running on equalization-centric platforms and people-first approaches need as much support as can be drawn. "...this type of behaviour" has accomplished nothing in local politics - still waiting on those incumbent accomplishments.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
The incumbent is Cecil Clarke, so I can't help you there. But if you meant McDougall as a current member of Council challenging for mayor, she's been an ally to the NSEF group and has addressed Equalization unfairness, as well as some of its impacts. She understands the issues. In this video, you may get a refresher on some of the opposition she faced, which likely is a part of the reason she realizes that she can have a greater influence in the mayoral role itself. Caution: There is no yelling in this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze_KsVBN9mM Of course, we'll find out how she plans to address it when she releases her platform and gets rolling with her campaign.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Unfortunately, Lloyd, I know that your reference is to Archie MacKinnon. And, I respectfully, but wholeheartedly disagree that he's representative of someone who you consider to "speak and act like Cape Bretoners." In terms of Archie's communications approach, he would be an incredibly poor representative of Cape Breton in a leadership role. As an articulate communicator and strategic mind, I'm incredibly surprised to see you suggest that Archie is able to "deliver a rather strategic message to the province" as he has demonstrated no clear strategy during his MP bid, other than what he referred to as using his "mouth." If AMD thought that CC's leadership was effective, she wouldn't be challenging him head-on, of course. To suggest that I haven't done due diligence in support of McDougall as a candidate, while simultaneously advocating for Archie MacKinnon borders on absurdity. If you're surprised by what I, or others, might consider "progressive", I'm mutually surprised at what you've apparently considered "rather strategic." Maybe yelling at Cecil Clarke outside of his birthday celebration was rather strategic, and maybe it was rather ill-considered. If you want to lead someone "by their ears", you do it by compelling communication, not being the bull in an antique shop. While toughness and persistence is a component, there has to be some element of self-control, focus, and ability to clearly convey an idea. The CBRM doesn't need a demagogue for mayor.
Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me
Joe, and it's not the only language I communicate. Articulate communications and mindful strategy don't appear to work in this region simply because when we get into the heart of sovereignty and public interest, we collide with NSPI and a whole host of investors built into a 9% dividend and an unhealthy $6.12mn/year salary. We pay some of the highest tax/energy rates in Canada and with a poverty statistic 73% higher than the HRM, that's an unhealthy relationship that doesn't appear to want to be challenged by the incumbents at any stage the last 4 years for some reason. I know you have done what you believe to be due diligence. I don't want to seem completely critical of AMD - I'm not but I'm not going to be critical of AMK for his social media presence and communications strategy. He speaks clearly to Cape Breton's blue-collar resident - you know, the ones the province has a real problem with. The local MLAs need that bull in the china shop - I think Marlene Usher would agree. To refer to AMK as a demagogue is a stretch. He's not afraid of having equalization conversations and there is good reason to believe that he'd be the first to start calling out the province on some of the unhealthy arrangements we have with monopolies. I'm not smearing AMD at this time. You continue to attempt to smear AMK and kudos, job attempted but I'm not buying it. Do you think the NSEF is playing "compelling communicator" right now with the current powers-that-shouldn't-be? I don't think the Liberals would agree.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Lloyd, I've constantly given Archie praise for the value he offers, and nothing more. When it comes to leading the CBRM in a vulnerable economic and social state, I'm going to insist that we need someone with more qualifications than just being loud. Of course, you're free to disagree. But, we can't have candidates using Donald Trump-like tactics to openly use misinformation as long as it gets people mad enough to mistake him for a good leader. It may be that I'm wrong. We'll see in upcoming debates and interviews. In his MP bid, debates and interviews, he showed that he cared. But he also showed that he understood Equalization only in so much as knowing it's unfair and that some people are struggling because of it. I follow the NSEF closely. Any of their board members can articulate the complexities of Equalization. Archie's going to need to demonstrate more than just a rudimentary understanding. With that said, to avoid becoming redundant, I think we've exhausted this topic. The candidates will have the opportunity to demonstrate their value to the CBRM in the coming days and weeks. We shall see.
Lynn Hussey Follow Me
Well said Joe. You've nailed it.
Charles Sampson Follow Me
While none of the councillors have been willing to raise their efforts, for whatever reason, in seeking answers to the manipulation of the federal Equalization payments, Amanda now is running for the office of mayor. What is her explanation for not pursuing this issue more seriously as a councillor?
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Among the four likely candidates (Clarke's announcement expected this week), who do you think is likely to be the strongest advocate for Equalization Fairness?
Charles Sampson Follow Me
Is that what Amanda told you to say, or are you merely trying to avoid her from answering?
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Sorry, Charles. I'm going to opt-out of the conspiracy stuff.
Charles Sampson Follow Me
Is it considered a conspiracy to question a candidate for mayor why she didn’t seriously seek answers to the Equalization funding issue as a councillor? Had she done so, wouldn’t that effort have been only helpful with many in the public’s view in her quest now for higher office?
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
No, the conspiratorial-leaning statement was your suggestion McDougall is telling me what to say. :)
Charles Sampson Follow Me
Lol Given your answering my question with an diversion question answer. My response was one possibility or the other possibility I stated. In any event, Amanda will face such scrutiny and more before this election is over.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
I'll file it as sarcasm, and we can avoid extending this into one of our classic debates. Neither of us has any quit in us, so we can avoid another one of those and spare everyone else from it. Haha. :) Amanda will and definitely should face scrutiny, as any candidate should. I hope the Equalization group doesn't try to chop down their current allies in pursuit of those archetypical ones who currently don't exist though. We have to remember that Amanda McDougall was an outnumbered (by vote tally) councillor, not the mayor from 2016 to present. Equalization Fairness is at the cusp of replacing an anti-Equalization mayor with a pro-Equalization fairness one. That's some amazing progress to look forward to.
Charles Sampson Follow Me
Legitimate questioning of a candidate’s past behaviour in office who is trying for a higher elected office is something I do not regard as sarcasm. And that questioning extends to someone who is promoting a candidate. It should be in everyone interest to have all candidates subject to legitimate questions by the public. And, a quinine supporter is not afraid of answering questions. Nobody in the NSEF group intends to chop down anyone, particularly a supporter. Installing a pro-Equalization municipal government is certainly going to be more helpful and that should be everyone’s goal.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Re: sarcasm, I meant this part, Charles: "Is that what Amanda told you to say" I'll answer more formally: No, it's my own thought. Amanda McDougall does not tell me what to say; I'm also not a member of her campaign team. I support her independently, as I do the NSEF whom I also speak about favourably, but not on behalf of. 100% agreement here: "Installing a pro-Equalization municipal government is certainly going to be more helpful and that should be everyone’s goal." We have an outstanding window of opportunity to do just that with Amanda McDougall.
Lloyd Allan MacPherson Follow Me
This aged well.

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