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Ok, Ottawa. Two years from now potential municipal candidates will be prepping for a summer of barbecues and festivals, warming up for a fall election. This is a great time for those folks who might be contemplating a run to start putting things in motion. #ottpoli
So where do you start? First, with a lot of self-reflection. Ask yourself: why do I want to run? What is driving me? What is the difference I want to make in my community and my city?
That’s the question you will encounter the most as a candidate. And it’s one that far too many candidates are able to clearly answer. Let’s explore why that is.
Often candidates will respond to that question by listing the numerous ways in which they are qualified to be a city councillor. Positions they’ve held, volunteer roles they’ve taken on, academic qualifications, job experience, and so on
While all of these things are relevant to your ability to do the job, they don’t answer the question of WHY you want the job or WHAT you want to accomplish in the role.
Another common response points to a desire for public service or a particular point in a candidate’s life cycle: “having just spent 20 years in x career, I’m ready to give back to the community”. While these are excellent contributing factors, you’re still not getting to WHY
Think about it this way: you may only have a few seconds with a potential voter - on a doorstep, at an event. They don’t want to hear your resume or your life story or philosophy. They want to know how you’re going to make their city and neighbourhood better.
Your WHY needs to be about you, but not about you. It’s how you make a connection with the people who’s support you will need to win.
So while your initial self-reflection absolutely must consider all your qualifications, experience, skills, philosophy and personal circumstances, your real soul-searching needs to go deeper
I’m not saying that all politicians must necessarily be completely altruistic - of course you’ve got career ambitions and personal reasons for running. Maybe you’re in between careers and the timing feels right. But running for office should never be just about you
When you ask for someone’s support, you’re asking them to trust in your ability to do the job, and also in your vision of the kind of city we want. You want to win their confidence, to have them feel part of your team. You want to make a connection
Some candidates respond to the WHY question with detailed policy responses. Also not necessarily an answer. And I say this with love as a policy wonk, myself. Policy is awesome but it doesn’t tell your voter much about You. It doesn’t help make a connection
In fact, sometimes an overly-wonkish policy response can turn off potential supporters .... nothing worse than the eyes glazing over, or darting around to find the quick exit.
Policy and vision are important. Just like your resume and personal qualities are important. But are they motivation? Are they WHY? Are they the WHY that will forge connections and win confidence, trust and support?
My dog is telling me it’s time to hit the park. So I will leave you with that to chew on and continue my reflections later in a new thread of Miss Vicky’s #OttCity Campaign School
I need a hashtag. This is too big for a single thread. Suggestions welcome.
