Campaign 2010 Launched

Yesterday the Elect Don Iveson team held a launch event to raise a few dollars for the campaign and connect with volunteers and supporters. It was a nice blend of people from the 2007 effort and people we’ve come to know since being elected. Turnout was strong in spite of the competition with Fathers’ Day.

We were able to lure people with great appetizers prepared by Nate Box of the new Elm Café, locally roasted coffee donated by Transcend, and staple Edmonton beer provided by our friends at Alley Kat. We really wanted to work with independent local business and they were generous with their support, for which I am thankful.

I spoke for a few minutes, touching first on my gratitude for all the help in last campaign. I reflected on the reasons I ran in 2007, focusing on the need to shift our growth and transportation patterns, and the impact that I’ve had in those areas. I spoke about my role in the city’s unfolding Green Plan and my hopes for the forthcoming economic development plan and financial sustainability plan.

I genuinely feel like I have three more years in me working at more of the long term thinking our city needs, and beginning to implement some of the solid planning Council has already compiled.

A sentiment from my remarks that seemed to resonate with a number of people was that we can’t force change, we can only lead it. That’s what I’d like to continue doing for three more years.