(Photo credit: Geoff Leo/CBC)
I wish I could share the “thank you” letter I had hoped to write to you. But it was not to be for us on November 7th.
Know that I did everything possible and that our local team ran a textbook campaign; we did all the things we were supposed to do. And I am proud of our campaign team, our local executive, our volunteers and all the people who believed in me, in us, in our ideas and had hope for a better Saskatchewan.
It is a mystery to me how I got so lucky to end up with Kendra as my wife. She is an amazing person and a terrific Mother. I am also very proud of my children throughout this entire process; they are brilliant and everything that I do, I do it with their future in mind.
Everything that led me to this point has been the result of the values instilled in me by my Mom and Dad. So, Gracias viejos! I hope I have made you proud despite the result and know that the values of respect, hard work, humbleness, community service, democracy, positivity and love are somethings that I am trying to instill in our children as well.
I was extremely proud to campaign on important issues that I will continue to work on regardless of the outcome. It is my hope that the housing crisis will be addressed; that we add more affordable childcare spaces; that our seniors live in dignity; that our workers are treated fairly; that our education is of high quality and affordable; and that our economy benefits our local businesses and people first.
Our campaign never took anything for granted; we were humble throughout and in planning for the campaign many months before, we knew it was not going to be easy and we had to earn every single vote.
To every person that voted for me — for us; thank you for believing — don’t stop. For every person that wanted to vote for me; thank you for considering it, in some ways the fact that I was in your thoughts is rewarding in my books. For those who didn’t vote for me; thank you as well, as I learn from you also.
In the end, the electorate decides and they have made their decision and we have to gracefully accept it and wish all of our elected representatives the best in the next four years.
Over the last 21 months, I had prepared myself diligently for the elections. In some ways, I had rejected clichés and phrases like “I’ve talked to thousands of people on the door-steps,” but I have come to understand how politicians make that statement, as I have literally have had thousands of conversations.
I have come to know a lot about myself, about stepping out of my comfort zone in order to be brave and stand up for what I believe in. Today, I have one request of you: do the same; step out of your comfort zone and be brave and stand up for a better world. Be a proud New Democrat and talk to your family, friends and acquaintances about the issues that you care about. Take up a cause and become an activist and in the words of Gandhi, “be the change you want to see in the world.”
Some of you have wrote me kind messages; the appropriate subject line is “congrats.” I have gained many friends and experiences and I believe I am better off for it. And as I told a coach friend of mine, “coach, I left it all out on the field. I had nothing left in the tank.”
It is now time to rest, reflect and soon enough get up and rebuild.
All the best and thank you.
N-D-P! N-D-P!
“In January 2010, I announced that I will not be running in the 2011 general election. I’m delighted that Jaime Garcia was chosen as the new NDP candidate. The Trew and Garcia families are longtime friends and I am confident my friend Jaime will serve the people of Regina Coronation Park very effectively.”
“Jaime is an extremely caring individual towards everyone he meets. He listens to the problems of our youth and can easily relate to them himself. He is also a good representative in the community as he possesses wisdom far beyond his years. Jaime is approachable and friendly, and will go above the call of duty to serve the people he cares about.”
“Jaime Garcia is a strong and determined individual. He will bring the voices of the people in our community to the legislature and ensure that we are well represented with a strong, youthful, and representative voice in our provincial government.”
I will work hard to earn your vote and be worthy of your trust. I will listen. We may not always agree. But I will listen and keep an open mind. I will be open and accessible. I will knock on doors between elections, host annual town hall meetings in the constituency, host monthly on-line chats, and make myself available to meet you in my office on a regular basis.
Government isn’t about MLAs or parties working alone. It’s about working with people to build our communities and make life better for everyone. So I invite you to share your ideas with me. And I invite you to get involved in my campaign to be a strong voice for seniors, families, and working people in your legislature. If you have questions or comments, or if you would like to take a sign or volunteer, you can get in touch with me:
