Let’s get one thing straight: if you ever see me “running” down the street, you should probably start running too, because I am definitely being chased by a bear.
Or, as it turns out, I’ve decided to put my name on the ballot for a council seat in Ward 1 for the upcoming Chatham-Kent municipal election.
Since the finish line isn’t until October 26th, this is less of a sprint and more of a marathon—which, again, is highly unusual for me. But here we are!
From the Backroom to the Front Row
I’ll be the first to tell you: I am not a politician. Yes, I’ve been involved in a fair share of federal and provincial campaigns over the years, but I’ve always been the “behind-the-scenes” guy. I’m comfortable in the wings, making sure the gears are turning.
Stepping into the spotlight is a bit of a shift. In fact, the last time I was “front and center” like this, I was campaigning for Grade 8 Student Council President. (I’ll save those platform highlights for another time).
It Takes a Village (Or at Least a Very Patient Family)
I didn’t just wake up and decide to do this on a whim. This adventure is only possible because of the incredible support system standing behind me. My friends, my father, my brother, my two boys, and especially my wife have been my rock. Without their encouragement (and their willingness to tolerate a lot more campaign talk at the dinner table or the camp fire), this wouldn’t be happening.
Scrapping the Script
I had my first “meet the candidates” night in Chatham recently. I’ll admit, I arrived a little late, but I made it!
I had a whole speech prepared. It was a good speech—and that’s not just me talking; my totally unbiased wife told me so. But when I walked in and realized we were at a local bar, the vibe shifted. There is no better place to listen to political ideas than over a beer or a glass of wine with a relaxed, engaged crowd.
I looked at my notes, looked at the room, and decided to scrap the “blah, blah, blah” formality. I figured the people there didn’t come to hear a rehearsed monologue; they came to meet Mike.
If you’re really itching to read the formal stuff, you can find it all on my campaign website at michaelbond.net (how’s that for a shameless plug?). I might still use that speech somewhere else—it’s too good to waste—but for that night, keeping it real felt much better.
The Race Ahead
I’m genuinely excited. There are four of us running for two seats in Ward 1, which—mathematically speaking—means I like my odds! I know one of my fellow candidates personally, and while I missed the others at the meet-and-greet, I’m looking forward to a great race among the four of us.
I have some strong opinions, sure, but I’m more interested in hearing yours. I’m not here to just make noise; I want to make a tangible difference on Council. Over the next five months, I’m going to be out there talking to voters across the ward and all of Chatham-Kent to truly understand what needs to be done on day one.
What’s Next? (Maybe Karaoke?)
I want this campaign to be fun. Life is serious enough as it is. I’m even toyed with the idea of hosting a Karaoke Night at the C.M. Wilson Conservation Area this summer—not just for the campers, but for everyone. Stay tuned for that… my vocal cords might need a “running” start too.
In the meantime, thanks for following along. You can keep up with the journey here, on my campaign website (noted above), or over at my Facebook page.
Cheers everyone, and see you on the trail!
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