John Enns-Wind for Mayor

My husband's undergraduate degree was in political theory.  I know he was part of a youth wing for the Conservatives in Ontario back in the '80s.  He always has an opinion about politics, politicians and how things are being done politically.

So it was no surprise a few months ago that he was considering running for council.  He's attended several meetings and has met with some people who have some influence in this town.  It's all good.  In my own selfish way I've been thinking it would be some free advertising for Teo Lakes Consulting.  I'm okay with him being on council.

Then, several weeks ago he came home and told me that he heard gossip that he's running for mayor.  I was SHOCKED!!  He was SHOCKED!!  He got on the phone and tracked down the source of the gossip.  Good friends, who live out of town and don't get to vote for a mayor, started the gossip and freely admitted to doing so.  They asked him, "Why wouldn't you?"  John's answer, "I don't have a public profile in this community."  That sort of seemed to settle it with them, but the damage was done.  This idea began to spread amongst some people who have influence in this town.  The arm twisting began. 

Last week one of John's clients suggested that if he runs for council, let alone mayor, they might have to cancel the BIG contract due to a perception of conflict of interest.  At that point, I thought he was ready to hang up his political hat.  John questioned and pushed the client further and it turns out that it was an empty threat, thankfully.

On Wednesday morning, the day nominations were due, he got a phone call:  "You have to run for mayor!  Even if you don't win, you have to get in there and ask the tough questions.  No one else is asking questions and the other two candidates can't just waltz through this election.  People are fed up in this town and want some change and you could help make that happen by asking the right questions."  Three people of influence in this town signed his nomination form.  One of them has already spent over $300 in support of his campaign.  We're only budgeting $500 from our personal account to see this happen.  Apparently another business man is going to meet him tomorrow to see how much he needs for his campaign.

John's nomination seems to be well received.  A number of people have already said, "Now I have someone to vote for."  In fact, when we handed out 400 brochures at the parade on Saturday morning, several people were happy to see that John is running for mayor!  The only thing is, "What if he actually wins?"