Dylan Conmy for Ottawa Commissioner

Tomorrow is election day, but you can still vote today if you prefer! Just get out there and make your voice heard. I want to thank everyone for their support throughout this campaign--it has definitely been a new experience, but an eye-opening one that I am glad that I did. The projects and issues I addressed are not just campaign points, but items that I would like to be a part of making a reality, whether Commissioner or not. I just know that I will have a better opportunity with resources to make sure they are prioritized if I am given a seat on the Council.

I am proud of how I represented myself, and I am honored to have had an opportunity to throw my hat in the ring to be a representative of the Community I love so much. Please do yourself, and Ottawa, the honor of making sure you cast a vote for the changes you want to see. Cast a vote for your voice to be heard tomorrow, because the elected individuals will be responsible for making your voice heard for the next 4 years. Vote because your voice is what this City is about.

This little girl has more heart than anyone I know. So lucky to have her support ❤

Come and meet Brent Barron at the Sainte Genevieve on Heritage Harbor today 12-3. Another great candidate for your Ottawa Commissioner.

As we loom closer to April 4th, I am starting to see stray comments here and there as candidates are being scrutinized very closely. It is definitely important to know how your candidates would represent the City--what are their views on the economy, infrastructure, events. How will they improve transparency, communication, and accountability from leadership? While it is important to take into consideration if the candidate is also a stellar human being, who is trustworthy and cares about the community, who isn't aligned with nepotism-based ideals, and who can be trusted, it has become frustrating to see one specific type of scrutiny out there right now:

Republican vs Democrat. These labels have drastically morphed from a basic difference in focus, to somehow being able to magically determine if a person is on the "good" side or the "bad" side. Please remember that the labels of Democrat and Republican are not a judgement of character, or at least they never should have been--that climate has changed quite a bit in the past few years. There is HUGE difference between groups/organizations that have extremist beliefs, and the political affiliation of that groups members. Not all Republicans are one thing, not all Dems are another. I am a Democrat, voting-wise, but that doesn't mean I don't listen to and sometimes agree with concerns that Republican politicians bring up.

As cheesy as this is, I implore all of you to remember that, until the climate of the Country changed around 2016, R vs D wasn't as volatile. Differences in opinion do not mean enemies, and they do not mean either side is 100% wrong. Please take notice of absolutes, and make sure we are all trying harder to not lump any label into one assumed trait.

Honesty and integrity should be the cornerstone of any City leader. Procedures are put in place for a reason, and they shouldn't be followed with exceptions for friends and family; they shouldn't have loopholes. If a City Council is running properly and with a trustworthy, transparent, staff of elected peer representatives, there should not be opportunities for scrutiny and doubt--every i is dotted, every t is crossed, and no corners are cut for favoritism. You will NEVER be able to please everyone, but you can ALWAYS do the job with a modicum of respect for your Community.

If things are on the up and up, you can lead with your head held high, and focus on positive changes. There is always a paper trail and digital evidence--you should be proud knowing you can share everything openly with constituents.