Did you know that Vancouver has a councillor's by-election on October 14th? (note: advance voting Oct 4 & 10th) Guess is that those who know dates, times issues are politically inclined, but many others are just surviving day to day and not necessarily thinking about it. Voting matters, in fact people have died, in some places on the planet still are, to have the right to vote and make a difference. I've decided to look at things that matter through a less deadly lens. This post will fall under the focus of "taking care of ourselves".
I'm aware of the by-election, not because I'm political, but because a neighbour in the "hood" is running. That neighbour is Pete Fry and he's the guy!... at least he's a nice guy and that's always good to know right? I love that he mentioned the Eastside Culture Crawl in a recent write up on the creative community -- that's pretty cool. Have a read on the hyper-link and decide for yourself about Pete and the others.
Remember when Councillor Geoff Meggs, stepped down from his position at the city? Well for those who don't, Geoff is a politician who stepped down from city counsel to take a position with the Province. That was when there was a lot of excitement rolling out on the new provincial government? -- Liberals out and coalition government in!!
It was VERY exciting, even if most people didn't fully get what was going on. British Columbians have a knack for doing the unpredictable in this regard. All I can say is, if anyone doesn't tell you B.C. has the most exciting politics, then they're totally unaware of how wacky we British Columbian's are. I actually love B.C. for this quality of voting.
Anyway, back to Geoff. He stepped down and I know I'm not the only person out there that didn't get the full picture of what that meant for the city. It's not part of my everyday world to think about who takes that job on, and how they get it... Bottom line, is it comes back at us voting citizens, and we need to get out there and voice who fills the space. Hmmm, how, what, where and who all come rolling out at you so here's the quick answer. You have 3 chances to place the person who gets the job-- Oct 4th, 10th and voting day the 14th.
Knowing who's running is difficult to keep track of never mind the issues. I suggest you go back up to the "that's pretty cool" link above and take a little read (okay I just made it easier for you by hyperlinking it again ; smile). Here in Strathcona we are lucky as Pete Fry, one of those candidates, live right in our "hood". What better chance to find out directly about issues than to speak to your neighbour?
I know, I know, we're all exhausted putting out more energy all the time but ... Actually no 'buts' here, as we all know everything before a' but' is questionable right? Soooo, just go that extra 25% and do it! Get out and vote.
After you do that voting thing, go rest your head on a pillow. Speaking of pillows did you know we have another person in our "hood" who makes them? Yup, just got an e-mail notice from Erika who's all about pillow fighting! Love those pillows and I know mine have stood up to some healthy pillow battles. Erika and Pete are just 2 more people in this place making a mark on things.
You may just want to do a little fun pillow fighting over those political issues. Have some fun and remember to vote.
Note: warning your pillow fighting should not get to this level...(take care of yourself!!)