If at first you don’t succeed, run, run again. This was my one of my first thoughts when Damage Control phoned in the results
to me.
We ran an extremely honest and open campaign and failed to win more than 90 votes, getting three percent of the total. This percentage would have been slightly higher if I had voted for myself. We were comforted by the fact that we did better than the Rhino and Communist parties have ever done in federal elections where they usually pick up way less than three percent combined. We did better than we expected. I even had one person who volunteered to scrutineer on my behalf but was dissuaded by someone who told him or her to “be more serious.” Thanks from the bottom-most depths of my aching heart to all the 90 people who supported and courageously voted for me. The cheques are in the mail.
Interest in this election was fairly high with a turnout of 40 per cent. (The previous election for Grand Chief was a measly 30 per cent.) The 60 per cent who didn’t practice their democratic right were either away at school, in the bush, on vacation or just couldn’t be bothered and were at home watching television. These are the people we must reach for the next time. There were also more nominees than ever for both offices. That in itself made the race more interesting.
Congratulations to Matthew on his victory over the forces of evil. Congratulations also to Violet Pachano on being elected the first woman Deputy Grand Chief in Cree history. And finally, to the other candidates who ran… Tough. Try again in a few years. But let the people know well in advance that you’re accepting your nominations and not days before. They’ll love you for it and actually race to the polling station to vote for you. Trust me. I know about these things.
I myself am now completely hooked on politics and will run, if nominated, for any office I am eligible for. Prime Minister Diamond has a nice ring to it. Watch for our campaign on the evening news very soon.
