Reflections and Hopes:

Today was a day of relaxation and reflection. Elizabeth and I went to church this morning and then out for brunch. I spent the afternoon with my older son Jonathan. Elizabeth and I went to the CWL supper and then we had friends over to visit this evening. I have received emails, phone calls and personal expressions of best wishes and support and do appreciate them all very much. I have worked very hard to get the party platform out to the residents of District #22 and have been humbled by their kindness and welcoming gestures. I hope that everyone in District #22, indeed all Islanders, exercise their right to vote tomorrow. No matter what the outcome personally I will never regret my decision to put my name forth as the Liberal candidate for Summerside-St. Eleanors.


Saturday, May 26

Today some of my supporters blitzed District #22. We wanted the voters to receive the education information as well as a personal letter to the residents from myself. Elizabeth and I attended the funeral of one of my former school principals and a great lady this morning; such an event certainly puts things in one’s own life in perspective. At noon we had a pizza and cake get together at the Headquarters. I continued with door-to-door canvassing in the Sheen Street area as well as in my home poll. Elizabeth, Jonathan and I had seafood for supper at Sharkey’s Restaurant on the Summerside Waterfront – beautiful sunny weather and a great setting! I finished my official campaigning in the Hawthorne Poll area in the evening. Bedtime came early; no problems sleeping for me.

Red Power:

Today started with a 7:15 a.m. haircut followed by another breakfast at the Headquarters. I traveled in the Northumberland, Notre Dame, Rufus, St. Lawrence, Sheen and Park Street areas. The weather was unbelievable and the reception at the door was very warm as well. People are convinced that a change is coming and are looking forward to a new era in Island history. This evening we attended the final rally in Charlottetown. The energy was contagious and the crowd was pumped. Three more sleeps until E-Day!

Strength in Numbers:

Today started with a 7 a.m. meeting followed by a light breakfast at the Headquarters with supporters. Then it was off to do door to door in the Burkeshire and Jennifer Street areas. This evening I was in the Market and North Market Street section of the district. Each day I have more phone calls to return and concerns to follow up. More people are dropping in at Headquarters to chat and wish us good luck. One person was quite adamant about the commitment I displayed by taking on this challenge. However I could not do this job without the help of so many other people who, in their own way, are also very passionate about making the lives of their fellow Islanders better.

Commitments:

After a bit of morning visiting, I headed to Kensington for the Liberal news conference on accountability where Robert Ghiz once again demonstrated his leadership abilities. A new era will dawn in Prince Edward Island government after May 28.

I campaigned on Central, Spring, and Pleasant Streets later in the day. Residents are requesting lawn signs for their properties and I am receiving phone calls daily from people giving me their endorsement. All this support is both humbling and gratifying but it is not over until all the votes are counted.

Listened to Angela Walker’s profile of Districts 21 and 22 on CBC radio. The scenarios are really interesting when you are able to recognize some of the voices. Tomorrow Robert will be campaigning in these two districts traveling with Janice and myself.

Schools of Thought:

Tuesday, May 22

I attended the breakfast meeting of the Rotary Club of Summerside. This is one part of my daily routine I have kept. There are many good things done by our club, both in our community and globally, and I am proud to be a part of these efforts.

In the morning I campaigned in the Granville, Coronation and Schurman Ave. areas. At noon I attended a meeting at PC Hospital with staff and the other local Liberal candidates. The afternoon was spent in the St. Eleanors area – Julia’s Court, Burkshire Ave. and Rebecca. I had my first near miss by a canine – small but feisty.

We traveled to Charlottetown to hear the education debate at the Delta. Once you have been involved with education, you never lose the passion for helping people learn. There are challenges to be met, but our team has several members with a lot of experience in this field and I am confident we can work to make our public system even better.

Monday, June 21

Even though it was a holiday for many people, like the other Liberal candidates, I was on the campaign beat. I traveled all over the district. I receive email questions daily and respond in as timely a manner as possible. Young people ask questions that are “right on the mark” and, if I don’t have an answer, I research further. Lifelong learning at its best!

Teamwork Works:

Today started off with a reading of the “good news” polls in the Guardian. It appears as if Islanders have heard our message and are ready to entrust us to govern this great province. When speaking with a former MLA, they reiterated what is positive in our approach – unlike the Conservatives who are championing their leader, we are taking a path similar to previous successful governing parties where the focus is on the team. Our team is balanced and this is seen as one of our strengths. This person acknowledged the growth in Robert, which was clearly evident to them as they watched the debate.

While the rain poured, the temperature was pleasant and I hear voting was brisk at the advance poll in District #22. I returned calls, visited homes, and am off to mass at Saint Paul’s Church. Tomorrow will truly be a day of rest and a time to spend with my family – no Sunday shopping for me.

Youth and Elders:

Thursday, May 17

We attended our son Jonathan’s graduation from UNB law school today. Like any parents, we are very proud of him and excited that he is coming to do his articling year at a local law firm – an example of a graduate who will benefit from the Liberal tax credit and contribute to the Island economy. Elizabeth and I arrived back home at 5:50 pm and I set out on the COLD campaign trail. I covered Green, Granville, Summer and Central Streets. Change is in the air; change is everywhere.


Friday, May 18, 2007

Today I visited the seniors’ apartments on Linden and Lefurgey Avenues. Our elders have so many stories that need to be told and we can learn so much from their experiences. This wisdom, coupled with the idealism of our youth, is an awesome force. Unlike my fellow candidate, Cynthia Dunsford, I have not been bitten by any dogs but I have been on the receiving end of a few razor-sharp tongues. One can also learn by listening to them and I respect any one who has the commitment to stand up for their beliefs. I also canvassed on Water Street and at Wedgewood Manor. In the evening we attended the rally at Westisle School and the place was rocking – the numbers and the energy increases as each week passes. I am anticipating a corresponding rise in the polls.