In response to Neil Godbout’s editorial on August 18, 2022, he rightly points out that my campaign launch didn’t dive too far into the details, particularly as it pertains to our downtown. These were certainly fair questions to raise, so allow me to respond.
After launching my campaign on August 17th, I spent the next few days attending events, engaging with residents, responding to emails and reviewing the overwhelming early response received to the survey on my website. Hundreds of survey responses have identified similar areas of concern, and those areas all require various degrees of change. While not surprising, I am encouraged by the time and effort residents are putting into this survey.
As we enter the first full week of my campaign, I am eager to get onto the doorsteps and chat with residents about what matters most to you. After all, being elected is a position in service to the residents…so let’s start serving.
So, why a simple message of ‘Change’? Because that’s what I’ve heard, it’s what I’ve seen, and it’s what is needed most now to move our community forward.
While it may seem like an oversimplification on the surface, it represents a greater capacity to see action on the issues that have challenged this community for the last 8 years, and beyond. From mental health and addictions issues, to homelessness, safety, taxation, development and capacity building, I have built my campaign on the issues that must be addressed to shape Prince George into the world-class community it can and should be.
I have spent the past 5 years building policies and looking for the city's support in pursuing them with senior government. I’ve built successful programs that the city could have ported directly over, at no-cost, and integrated into their work. I collected feedback from residents and provided it to mayor and council. But, at nearly every turn, a lack of willingness to make tough decisions, listen to residents and take action was the outcome.
Some people have asked why someone who hasn’t sat at the council table before should be mayor? A fair question. My answer is simple: how has that worked for us so far? We don't yet know if any current members of council will put their name forward for mayor, or who is running for council again, but what we do know is that people are ready to see action. Whomever the successful 9 are on October 15th, they must be ready to work with residents, consult openly and honestly, and not defer decisions when all of the information is available.
Change is the DNA of my campaign. It must be the DNA of any organization. Global pandemics, fires, floods and natural disasters, toxic drugs and safety, recessions - these are all things that challenge elected officials. We must be willing to adapt and change to this environment in service to our entire community.
Several policy outlines are available to view on my website. More are coming. I am following through on my commitment to listen, engage and incorporate your feedback into my policies.
This is what a democratic process should look like.
Change is needed. Fresh ideas. Fresh perspective. Elected leaders that are unafraid to make decisions and stick to them.
Todd Corrigall
Prince George
