You may have been able to tell from reading this blog over the last few years (I know, I know, inconsistently written) that I love politics!! I grew up in a household that encouraged policy discourse, active participation in all aspects of government and lively debate! I’ve been involved with politics my whole life! I remember all the kids in my neighbourhood wearing pins and arguing over which colour was better..showing affinity for parental party allegiance as far back as elementary school. But out of all levels of government, it’s municipal politics I love the most.
I guess I’ve always seen municipal politics as the one that is closest to home…because it is. It determines the property taxes we pay; it is responsible for the infrastructure that keeps our lights and water on and our toilets flushing; it ensures our roads and bridges (frequently in conjunction with provincial counterparts) are in good shape; it provides recreational programming that all members of all families no matter the athletic level can participate in. Among many other things!! The day-to-day bones of life.
As we head into our next municipal election in a few weeks (with advance polls starting in a few days), I was so impressed with the way all of our local candidates have been so positive in their campaigns; instead of tearing down the other candidates, they’ve simply been sharing their vision of how they wish to move forward. As a community divided, it’s been refreshing and hopeful; hopeful that we can heal the great divide and grow into the future, no matter what that future looks like. I’ve loved how all candidates I’ve spoken to and seen online have embraced communication as a major talking point. Since one of the criticisms of councils past has been a lack of effective communication, it’s positively incredible to see everyone coming up with new ways of ensuring all members of our community feel heard and valued and appreciated.
Tonight I saw my first snarky response of this year’s municipal election. I don’t want to get bogged down with what was said or why; it wasn’t even that bad…but it was a dig and a public dig; and so unnecessary. It’s been bonking around in my head ever since and I wondered if it would lead to a blog. One part of me wants to address it and bring us all back to the kumbaya playing field of yesterday. But unlike the ugliness of the big election happening south of the border, I firmly believe bringing added attention to negativity only breeds more negativity. So no need of a dandelion-wishes rant from me!! Instead, I’d rather focus on what I love in particular about this election and hope that for the next 19 days, candidates continue to focus on positivity. Remember, no matter the outcome of this election, we are all neighbours and we should all want what’s best for each other.
To do so, I’m going to have to take you back in time. I grew up in the Interval; the second last house on what had been a dead end street. Mostly middle class; mostly Roman Catholic (they don’t call Antigonish “the little vatican” for nothing); mostly with kids older than my brother and me. When I was born, my parents had lived in the neighbourhood for 5 years and were incredibly close to the neighbours; none more so than Blaise and Olga Cameron who lived right across the street. So much so, in fact, that they asked them to be my Godparents. In my early years, I may have even seen more of my Godparents than I did of my own Dad who worked construction on the road during that era. My beloved Olga passed very suddenly a few months after my 6th birthday but I can close my eyes and still find myself in her kitchen. Her kitchen full of love and amazing smells and always a ton of people! She had nine kids afterall! Plus, it was always the do-drop-inn so there were kids that practically lived there that, as a child, I wasn’t always sure which ones were Camerons and which ones weren’t! Blaise was in my life for much longer, thankfully, but the happiest memories are still in those years before Olga passed. I remember carrying trays of food into the living room, scared to death one of the big kids would jump out from somewhere and I’d drop it. A real concern in that household. I was the youngest in the neighbourhood and eleven years younger than my Godparent’s youngest child, so not all kids were even living at home by the time I can remember. As someone with only one sibling, I was, and remain, awed by the 9 Cameron “kids”. I’ve shared some of my memories of that household in previous blogs but bring it up today because I want to talk about my Godbrother, Sean Cameron, who is running for Mayor of the Town of Antigonish.
A number of years ago, when Sean ran for the office of Mayor the first time, I was the one who supervised the counting of ballots on his behalf (I’m sure there’s an official name for that but I don’t recall it). When counting was finally complete, I flew home to the Interval and over to Sean & his wife Emmy’s expecting a huge victory party as Sean had won big in every poll counted on election night. I felt horrible when Sean, himself, had to tell me that no, he’d lost by a handful of votes. The advance poll; the alternative poll – with telephone and internet voting had been his downfall. I was in the room when he addressed his family and friends and gracefully accepted his defeat. And I was one of his strongest supporters when he put his name forward for a council seat in the next election!!
I’ve watched his political life from the beginning. I’ve been seated at their dinner table when his phone rings and he disappears to answer a resident’s concern about this or that. I’ve seen him sacrifice his time and his energy to ensure that every single resident of this town felt like Council was working for them; by showing up to events; by very rarely missing a meeting; by never missing the chance to stop on Main Street even if he was in a hurry. He’s made time. And he’s made people feel heard and understood. Even if he didn’t agree with them. He has been involved in Council for so long now and has served on so many committees. He’s helped bring about some of the best things to happen to this town – the library; the new RK that’s coming to name just a couple. He understands municipal politics. He understands policy and procedure and bylaws and everything else that goes with it. He has made it his life’s mission to be the best damn representative he could be; striving for excellence and forever committed to learning more; listening more; adapting more; and making changes where necessary. Quite simply, he possesses the knowledge, skills and experience to be a tremendous Mayor for the Town of Antigonish.
But why the blog? Because I want people to know WHO he is. Not just his list of accomplishments. And because even though he’s got to market himself to the public, he’s never going to be the one to toot his own horn as much as it ought to be tooted.
I was a shy, quiet kid but I remember Sean in his late teens or early 20s, trying to convince my brother and me to join in the fun of Wee Lads and Lassies; a track and field competition as part of the annual Highland Games. “Come on, give it a try, you’ll like it! I’ve seen how fast you can run up and down this street!”. Seeing potential in others is a God given gift and one that was nurtured in him. Even as a young man, encouraging and giving a little push where necessary for us to reach our potential. Our plaques (aka trophies ahem) still adorn a shelf in my mother’s house. Sean was right. It was so much fun to be involved! He continues with those little nudges as I have found myself volunteering for community organizations at his suggestion…and stepping up as chair of one of those committees because Sean believed I could do it. Like I said before, he truly sees people and their potential and is so great at matching that potential to service in the wider community. What a gift!!!
When Sean got married to the beautiful Emmy, I was a very awkward 13 year old. Still shy and feeling out of place at the celebration, I can still see Sean and Emmy making their way over to where I was sitting with my parents in the old Pomquet hall…they had their picture taken with me and I wish I could put my finger on where in my parents house that picture might be today!! Emmy looking very much like a princess and me in my grade 7 awards banquet dress that Mom bought me at The Loft above Wilkies. I was but the child of a neighbour. So quiet that they could have easily just continued on their way. But even on such a special night, the two of them went out of their way to make each and every person there feel loved and a sense of a belonging. Just one way Sean excels.
When Sean & Emmy moved back into our Interval neighbourhood to raise their boys, I think we all just about jumped for joy. A second generation Cameron interval boy coming back to raise his own Cameron interval boys! It was around that same time that the Cameron family sold their family home and it became a Small Options home. Some neighbours started a petition to keep them out; saying our community didn’t need or want “those kinds of people”. It makes me tear up even tonight just typing those words. Such hatred. Such unkindness. Such unneighbourly behaviour. Sean was one of the biggest objectors to that petition and thankfully it got nowhere. And THOSE KINDS OF PEOPLE went on to become cherished neighbours and friends. Sean has been a fierce advocate for vulnerable people through his work but also in his neighbourhood. He stands up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. And you can still find him having a good chat with whatever residents make their home there. Our community is far better for it.
Speaking of that community, I should mention that it is an ageing community. Sean has watched his neighbours grow older and while many have either passed on or moved to seniors housing, there are several who will likely be taken to MacIsaacs or Currys directly from the Interval, my parents included. Sean has become the quiet caretaker of them all. With no fanfare, he mows lawns and takes out compost bins and shovels driveways and walkways. All without being asked; all without compensation; but rather anticipating needs again and just doing it. And, it’s more than that. He and his equally civic minded wife see people; truly SEE people. They provide meals (some daily!!) and or desserts to a wide array of neighbours. It’s sometimes about the food (which is always out of this world), but usually it’s a means of checking in; seeing how people are doing. Putting into action the way he was raised…to help where you can; to feed the hungry; to check on thy neighbour.
When my parents were snowbirds in Florida and I’d be alone in their home all winter, Sean and Emmy had me over regularly for meals and catch ups. They always made it seem like it was because they had cooked so much or whatever, but it was always, really, just a kind gesture to get me out of the house and to be around other people!! And, once there, no one ever wants to leave…the stories and laughter always lift your spirits and fill your soul. One time, at 11:00 at night on a weekday I found the basement flooded with water from the hot water tank. I didn’t know what to do. I need not have feared however. Because one call across the street to Sean’s and he came running! He took care of everything; and ensured I knew exactly who to call the next morning to get it all sorted. I remember thanking him profusely and him scoffing, shaking his head, saying “not a big deal”. Well it was a big deal to me. Because he helps without question or fanfare or hesitation. And that means a whole awful lot.
When my Mom got sick, it was Sean that provided me with information about dementia and where to turn for help. He didn’t mince words, that’s not his style, but let me know what was likely coming and reassured me that we would never be alone. That family is family and we would always be family; and they would always be here for me. And they have been true to that word; there for me at every turn.
Don’t get me wrong, like with all families, there are disagreements and conflict. Sean and I have butted heads on more than one occasion; about many things! But what I appreciate about Sean and what I think the world should hear, is HOW he handles that conflict and disagreement. He does NOT shy away from a problem. He does not avoid it until it goes away. He doesn’t put his head in the sand. He addresses it, head on. I can only speak about my disagreements with him…but what I value most is how respectful he is to a difference of opinion. He’ll talk it out. He’ll provide perspective. He’ll acknowledge the issue. He’ll accept fault, if the fault is his. He’ll provide apology if necessary and will immediately move forward. What an awesome way, in the old fashioned sense of awe-some, to handle conflict!! He’s taught me so much about being an adult and how to be mature even in the face of difficulty.
I’m so incredibly proud of the man Sean Cameron is. His accomplishments are many and can be found on his social media pages. The experience he brings to the table is astounding…at a time when the town desperately needs that experience to unite the two sides of the amalgamation issue (see previous blogs for more details on that!) and particularly when Council will see so many new faces (with only 2 sitting Councillors re-offering this time around). We NEED Sean’s experience. But more than that, we need someone who possesses the values Sean does. The values instilled as a child which he now lives out on the daily. He is brilliant and kind and thoughtful and helpful and resourceful. He is a true leader. He is humble and wants what’s best for this community. He has demonstrated his loyalty and dedication and work ethic in his decades of Council work. He’s driven and energetic and enthusiastic. He’s not afraid of anyone. He’s simply a really good guy who has done so much good for his community…who we now have the opportunity to support in his quest for leadership. He’s quietly kind; not just for a photo op. He’s quietly inquisitive and supportive of people from all walks of life. He’s both an ideas man and a gets-things-done man.
I know Blaise and Olga are looking down on all of us with fierce pride in their son who is walking the walk day in day out; as he’s done for decades. And I stand in awe of my Godbrother who is such an inspiration to me and know what a strong, savvy, empathetic Mayor he will be. Please consider joining me in supporting Sean Cameron for Mayor of Antigonish.
Don’t forget to vote!!! Election Day is October 19th!
Dandelion Wishes 