'Politicking'

Since January, when I registered to run for Mayor of Niagara Falls these have been the fastest two months of my life! It has been exciting connecting with old friends while making new ones and humbling as I realize the trust that people are willing to give me...and I have learned something about myself that has been pleasantly overwhelming.
I’ve had the opportunity to attend a number of events. I enjoyed a great night of trivia at Club Italia when the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls held its trivia night back in February. Rotarians volunteer to serve their club, their community and the world. A portion of the proceeds from that night went to much needed relief for the people of Haiti. Service above self is what Rotary Club is all about. Oh and the trivia contest?.... lets move on.
The other event I particularly enjoyed was hosted by Joseph’s Estate Wines. I first met Mayor Hazel McCallion of Mississauga a few years back and she is an inspiration to me politically and personally.
Hazel is a riot. Animated, generous; possessing a wealth of knowledge and a remarkable memory. At 89 she is simply unbelievable. It was an intimate set up at Betty’s in Chippawa as two private label VQA wines were dedicated to Mayor McCallion. A dollar from every bottle sold donated to the Hazel McCallion Foundation for the Arts Culture and Heritage. It was great to be there and great to talk about being Mayor with someone who has served her town so well.
That brings me back to “pleasantly overwhelming”. I like to get out with friends, family and enjoy our community. As a council member, I’ve had the opportunity to attend many events throughout our city and learn about the people who serve our city. My choice to run for Mayor has taught me something. The “P” word. “Politicking” can be a dirty word.
At many functions I’ve attended recently, I’ve noticed a few people now look at me differently. When I see someone at a table and I stop to say “Hi” or I take a picture with friends or I spend a few minutes aside with one person in the room it’s been suggested I’m politicking. I’ve always done these things when I’m out and about so the “P” word caught me off guard.
I thought to myself “Well Jim, YOU wanted to run for Mayor!”... and I realized, that is exactly what I wanted to do. I am politicking. Not in the smarmy way the word has come to be used. I’m running for Mayor in my home town. Where I grew up and my family will grow up. I’m not ashamed of that. This city makes me proud and I want Niagara Falls to become all that it is capable of with strong and effective leadership. I’ve committed myself to public service.
So yes, I’m politicking... and I am proud of it.