Carol Gottlob: Why I am not running for city council.

council 100x100By Carol Gottlob

July 1st, 2018

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In 2014 I had had enough of voting against my Councillor in Burlington Ward 4, and decided to run against him instead! After all, every Canadian citizen over the age of 18 is entitled to do so. Entitled, but not always able.

Before the Wynn government changed the rules, in 2014, I was able to receive donations toward my campaign from my union (Canadian Union of Public Employees), and I did. I also received donations from family, friends and supporters, and so I ran a successful campaign that didn’t look like it was on a shoestring budget. I took partial leave of my teaching duties (I am a language instructor with the HCDSB), so that I could campaign afternoons and evenings, which meant I also took a calculated hit in income.

Carol Gottlob on bike

Carol Gottlob on her motorcycle.

Having lived the experience – and it was a very good one – this time around I would need to take complete leave of my teaching duties for the months of September and October in order to put my full time and energy into the campaign. I make a modest wage, and I am approaching retirement years, therefore it is just not wise for me to give up income on a gamble at this stage. I am a risk taker (I ride a motorcycle), but I am not foolish.

A comment was made that it is a good thing candidates can no longer accept donations from corporations and unions. I beg to differ. How am I to fund a campaign on personal donations? I found excellent volunteers and did very well in the 2014 election, garnering 35% of the vote, and have been strongly encouraged to use that momentum to run again.

After the 2014 election, I tried to keep my profile alive in the community, joined a board, attended public meetings, but after a while it took too much time away from my regular job, and I was unable to maintain a reasonable level of commitment.

A comment was also made that I had four years to raise funds, but I didn’t. Technically, I could not raise funds before May 1st. I might have been able to get pledges and commitments, and build a team, but in the end, how would I have paid my mortgage and my bills whilst running a campaign? The incumbent, on the other hand, need not take time off work, has a six-figure income, has a flexible schedule that allows him to campaign from city hall, and has had 20+ years to fundraise. He just goes back to the same supporters and they just hand out the same cheques. Me, they want to know all about me before they give me a cent. And honestly, how many people make personal donations of $1,200? I was getting personal donations of $25, $50, maybe $100, and you need a lot of those to fund a campaign. Yes, it can be done, but not alone.

Which brings me to another personal challenge when it comes to running a campaign. I am single. There is no second income in my household to keep the boat afloat while I campaign, no spouse who can take some of the workload off my hands: pick up groceries, dry-cleaning, take care of vet appointments, all those daily tasks that befall one person. And there is no one to be at my back when the going gets tough. I know how tough it gets, I’ve done it, and it is not for the faint-of-heart.

It may sound like I am complaining. I am not. I am telling it like it is. Politics is for the wealthy. If you can park your business or let someone manage it for you while you run, you have a distinct advantage over someone such as myself. Politics is not for everyone. I’ve always thought a municipal election was much better to run in than a provincial or federal election, because candidates are not (openly) associated with a political party, and so you can choose a candidate based on their personal merits.

Gottlob signs - front lawn Carol laughing

Ward 4 candidate in the 2014 election, Carol Gottlob places a sign on her front lawn with her two sons.

After much soul searching, I’ve decided it is not for me. As I’ve often said, I would make an outstanding Councillor, but a lousy politician. And so, I’m throwing my support behind the candidate in my ward who is taking on the challenge of facing down an incumbent of over 25 years who is hell-bent on staying on 4 more years and doing things his way. Good luck to his worthy opponent. It would be so nice to get some fresh ideas on council. After all, that is what inspired me to take a crack at it four years ago.

Related links:

The candidate for ward 4 is Shawna Stolte:

Gottlob ran a very good race for a first time candidate in 2014.

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11 comments to Carol Gottlob: Why I am not running for city council.

  • doug

    Isn’t it funny how without large union backing big advertising dollars (whether members want to or not) voters were forced to look at the candidate not the propagada from unions, in the last provincial election. This way, put everyone on level field to tell us why to vote for them.

  • Marshall

    It is very important that all of us in Ward 4 put our time and support behind Shawna Stolte. Jack Dennison only looks after himself and must be put out to pasture. It is a rare occasion when he represents the advice or wishes of the people of Ward 4.

  • Bill Carlton

    Well said Philip! As a resident of the ward in question, it is long overdue for a change.

  • Alfred

    Stephen last week you were bragging how your girl got elected, ran and managed an effective campaign without deep pockets and powerful friends. This week you seem to take a different view. I live in Mr Dennisons Ward, and have lived here for over 25 years. This Ward was and still is heaven on earth. I feel fortunate to have been able to raise my family here. I can’t imagine living somewhere else. We live in a safe, clean Ward with lots of trees. The downtown problems are not Ward 4 problems. Since Jack is not running for mayor. Ward 4 is in good hands.Never walk through the forest in the dark, unless you are walking behind a man or woman who have been there before. It cuts down the odds of falling on your face. Experience counts for everything. The proof is in ward 4. World-class.

    • Philip Waggett

      Alfred, please take off the rose-coloured glasses. The fact that Ward 4 is an excellent place to live is no tribute to Jack Dennison. Please remember that Jack undercut the quality of life here in Ward 4 with his uncompromising support for the New Street Bike Lane fiasco–Jack represented the cycling lobby at City Hall–not once did he consult residents of Ward 4 who were negatively impacted. Jack failed to show leadership by example in his appeal to the OMB to get a second house built on his property, which Jack then conveniently moved into–this drove a wedge into Roseland; his long-standing opposition to a Code of Conduct has been well documented. And lastly, Jack’s record on supporting the development industry in its rape of downtown Burlington also has to be taken into account–Jack is accountable not only for Ward 4 but those other changes that have significantly undermined the quality of life here in Burlington.

    • Stephen White

      Hey Alfred. Let me take you on a little trip down memory lane.

      Jack is the same guy who: 1) supported the New Street Road diet, and then ridiculed Eva Amos and her group in a later Council meeting when she presented 3,300 signatories opposing it; 2) supported the OP, and then wrote a missive on this website highlighting its many failings and shortcomings; 3) wanted to sell off Tyandaga for re-development.

      Ward 4 is indeed a great place…but it won’t be once the developers start tearing apart Eastway Plaza and sticking up 15 and 18 storey towers as they are planning for Lakeside Village and Appleby Mall. Your pristine neighbourhood may not be quite so idyllic afterwards.

      Frankly, I’d sooner take my chances on a new candidate with a fresh perspective. Experience doesn’t count for much if it is tainted with past errors in judgement. And, to use your analogy, walking behind someone in the woods isn’t much good if they don’t know their way, can’t lead, and they don’t have a flashlight.

  • Sharon

    Let’s hope Ward 4 sees change on City Council and the School Board!

  • Steve D

    Dennison is the guy who wanted to sell off Tyandaga golf course, and jam in more high density housing in its place. Not make it a park, but, jam in more high density housing. Get rid of him.

  • Gary Scobie

    Carol, you had me at “I ride a motorcycle”. Please help Shawna as best you can. Change is gonna come.

  • Stephen White

    Thanks for an excellent summary Carol! You have highlighted some excellent points. Sadly it seems one needs deep pockets and/or powerful friends in order to manage an effective campaign. I hope you will find a way to remain active in future. The City could use your thoughtful reflection and honesty.

    Phil’s comment clearly reflects how many of us feel. Residents need to get behind Shawna Stolte and put an end to Jack’s tenure.

  • Philip Waggett

    Carol, as a resident of Ward 4–thank you for not running! And it’s not because you are not an excellent candidate–you are! But we cannot allow Jack Dennison to play a vote split to get re-elected. As most knowledgeable residents of this ward surely know, Jack has done nothing but represent HIMSELF and a few of his favourite special interests–cyclists and developers, BUT NOT THE RESIDENTS!!! Bye-bye, Jack.