KurtisMcCartney.com

Many people have encouraged me to run for council in 2014, even after the official start of the election. Here's why I'm not running.

Everyone Wants Something for Nothing

So you think I should run? Remember when I put the call out for $5000 worth of donations for a good cause? remember when we only hit $1500. Remember when I asked again for the remaining $3500 to go to http://www.aliebalan.com/cibc

I'm still waiting for the community to deliver because otherwise it's just me standing all by myself trying to fight off the systemic apathy, poverty, and redundancy that grips our region. So instead I'm supporting Graham Speck for Regional Council, he's got the team.

You Can Do More Outside Council

I actually discovered that I was more involved in local organizations than many of the City councillors that had to balance work, life, and constituency issues on top of their efforts to move the community forward. It is surprising how much a dedicated team of individuals can accomplish without the aid or interference of the political sphere.

Since I'm hoping to see more volunteers out after this election I'm supporting Maria Lallouet for Ward 4 because of her decades of experience as a local minister. She will find the time to deal with people face-to-face and is the candidate residents deserve.

It is a Legal Nightmare

Every action of an elected representative is governed. Did you know that you can put out a request for any correspondence, including personal emails and Facebook messages, of any municipal representative in Ontario. There is no privacy.

Instead I'm supporting local lawyer Doug Thomas to govern in Welland as an expert on the policies and procedures of local government.

Don't ask me to run until this community is healthy enough to run.

Update:
Residents of Niagara Falls are encouraged to vote for Connie Topolinsky for Mayor.
Residents of Wainfleet are encouraged to vote for Laurie Dayboll for Mayor.
Residents of St.Catharines are encouraged to choose between Burch or Secord for Mayor.
Residents of Port Colborne are encouraged to vote for Mike Sloat for Mayor

Residents of Thorold are encouraged to agree that Thorold isn't a real city and to release Port Robinson to Welland.

The Coldest Night of the Year walk for the Welland Hope Centre has been a great way to rally benefactors in the City of Welland and beyond. The pledge levels are far below the goal of $30,000. Thanks to all the people that did donate, keeping some of the programs and aid operating in Welland is better than nothing.

Hats off to the #CNOY Walkers

With over 85 walkers from a dozen communities in Welland it will be a fun evening among the volunteers and benefactors that walk.

4:00pm - Registration opens
5:00pm - Opening ceremonies
5:15pm - 10km WALK begins
5:30pm - 5km WALK begins
6:00pm - Registration closes
6:00pm - 8:00pm - Celebration meal served
8:00pm - Route closes

Corporate Sponsors

Thanks to the corporate sponsors of the walk and my campaign.
Media - Welland Tribune, 2DayFM Niagara, Niagara This Week, and myPelham
Digital and Marketing - Hitela Web Services, ARIDARIA E-commerce
Financial - TD Canada Trust, Canadian Tire Financial Services, PenFinancial Credit Union
Education - Niagara College, St. Augustine Catholic Elementary School
Other - Four Seasons Bakery, Hair Hunters, Health Wise, Seaway Mall, Niagara Storage on Site, and the Black Lantern Experience

Thanks to the generosity so far I've managed to pass quite a few milestones. Donations continue to come in and I hope that a couple more One Percent (1%) donations can come in before the final day. The event will be held on February 22nd, 2014 and starts at the Welland Arena. Be there.

Thank you - Donors and Supporters

I've made it clear that sharing helps to get the link in front of the faces of people that have the time and money to make a difference in the city. Take an opportunity to celebrate the current donors and remember to donate soon to add your name or your organization to the list of donors.

$100 Donors (2% of Goal)
Hitela Web Services (Grimsby / Niagara Falls)
Jim Botari (Pelham)

$50 Donors (1% Of Goal)
Cathy Berkhout-Bosse (Pelham / myPelham)
Troy Soper (Port Colborne / All Things Geek)

$25 Donors (Half Percenters)
Chantelle Bishop (Pelham)
DeAnna Rose (Welland)
EJ (Niagara Falls)
Kristen (Niagara Falls)

$20 Donors
Michael Petrachenko (Welland)
James Takeo (Welland / BLX)
Judy Trent (Chippawa)
Marc Mckerracher (West Lincoln)
Steve Allen (St. Catharines / Noise of the Month)

$10 Donors
Rhonda Grimaldi (Welland)

$5 Donors
Amanda Angel (Welland)
Sherry Zapata (Niagara Falls)

There would be a lot more cold people without donors like you. Stay warm.

Donate at http://www.kurtismccartney.com/cnoy or http://www.kurtismccartney.com/donate-faster

In early 2014 I joined the Coldest Night of the Year walk in Welland in support of The Hope Centre. This helps a great local organization that supports families dealing with poverty.

Personal Challenge

Since I like to add value when asking people to give generously I've set a personal challenge, and I expect some others to do the same. When I reach $5000 then I will cut my hair and donate it. This challenge has until February 22nd - and I've been encouraging potential donors to let the community know this is serious by contributing now online. I will add push goals after $5000, which will only be announced after passing $5000.

The Hope Centre - Helping Everyone

Party hard for Welland's needy and get them the opportunities they deserve. It doesn't matter if someone is unemployed, disabled, elderly, or just having a tough time The Hope Centre has staff that can direct people to the right kind of assistance they deserve. Without your donations there could be less of that help to go around. Don't wait for large cumbersome national organizations to come around - start helping close to home by donating through this charitable event.

Please Donate or Share

Donate directly to my campaign - Donate - http://www.kurtismccartney.com/cnoy
Follow The Hope Centre on Twitter - https://twitter.com/TheHopeCentre
Support the Welland Cause - Get involved - http://coldestnightoftheyear.org/location/welland

This has been another very busy year. Between everything that has happened on social media, in the news media, or just been out in public there has been little time set aside for my traditional favourites.

Yes, this post is short. All I can do for now.