I cannot describe how honoured I have been by the last few days.
I will be very frank with you. I was a little nervous before we stepped out to begin the launch event on Monday. Announcing that I am running for Mayor of Edmonton was a big decision for me and Sarbjeet and a big moment. It is something that will require hundreds of hours of hard work by thousands of people.
People forget that city wide campaigns are some of the largest electoral campaigns that happen in our country. Think about it. Very few people campaign for electorates of this size – after all, even federal and provincial politicians only get voted for in their local constituencies.
So I was asking a lot of everyone. But, as always, Edmontonians have amazed me. What we have accomplished over the last five days is hard to believe and I want to thank everyone, personally, for their hard work.
On the day we launched our campaign, we received over 4,000 messages from Edmontonians on social media alone asking how they could help and support us. That enthusiasm has allowed us to deliver more than 4,000 pieces of campaign literature, get almost 800 requests for signs, and sign up hundreds of volunteers.
I want to thank the incredible team that I have worked with over the last few weeks for all they have done to make the launch of this campaign such a success.
I also want to thank my fellow Edmontonians who have, once again, overwhelmed me with their help and support.
But the campaign has only just begun and it is going to take an incredible effort to get to election day. As amazing as the effort has been so far, we still need more. We need even more volunteers willing to help us, we need more individuals willing to donate, or put up a lawn sign. So please, sign up, or just send us a note to let us know you are with us.
If you can join us, my promise to you is this: we are going to have a lot of fun. We are going to talk about great ideas and we are going to talk about them in a way that sets a new standard for campaigns. One that shows people you can win a campaign with positivity and pulling people together, not polarizing them.
We will continue to give our best, we will continue to bring together neighbours as supporters. We will continue to strive to be a thriving city and an inclusive city.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone on the doors—when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, keep in touch with us here.
