[Candidates were asked to comment on their campaign at this midpoint in it.]
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At this point in the campaign, I would describe myself as optimistic, but realistic.
Running for office has been a learning experience. I’ve learned that campaigning is very different from simply having opinions about how your community should be governed. It requires listening to people, understanding the issues in greater depth, building relationships and being willing to put yourself out there and be accountable for what you say. There have been moments that have been challenging and moments where I’ve questioned whether I’m making enough progress, but I haven’t lost sight of why I decided to run in the first place.
My gut feeling is that the campaign is becoming more effective as I spend more time talking directly with residents. The more conversations I have, the more I understand what people are actually concerned about and that has helped me sharpen my message and my priorities. I also recognize that there is still a lot of work to do. I need to continue increasing my visibility in Ward 2, having more one-on-one conversations, building a stronger volunteer base and making sure residents know who I am and what I stand for.
I don’t take anything for granted. I am running against an incumbent and I know that is a difficult challenge. But I also believe elections should give residents a choice, and I believe I have something meaningful to offer. I have a heart and passion to serve my community!
So how am I feeling right now? I’m confident enough to keep pushing, humble enough to know I have more work to do, and determined enough not to quit when things get difficult. I’m not going to pretend everything is perfect and I’m not going to pretend I know the outcome. But I believe this campaign has a real purpose and I believe the best thing I can do between now and election day is continue earning the trust of one resident at a time.
Thanks,
Vince Viapiana
City Councillor Candidate, Ward 2
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Richard’s response to Viapiana:
[Vince,
It takes courage and guts to run in an election campaign where you are upfront for public scrutiny and if you have the credentials and concrete policies and promises, the electorate will judge it.
You have learned that campaigning is a neverending demand on you, your energy, your determination.
As a rookie in your first campaign, you are becoming very aware of the bumps along your campaign road.
Stay positive, stay determined….keep at it. No matter what the outcome, at the end you will be able to stand tall and proud, like Rocky Stallone, and say, “Adrian, I did it !“
Best,
Richard
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