**While only those in our riding can vote for Valérie, this event, open to all, can help open anyone's eyes about the values of the CPC; we in DDO-Pierrefonds are the lucky ones to be able to vote Valérie Assouline in (and proud to do so).
What comes to mind when a Canadian, in an election year, hears "Beat the Orange"? For most of us, that would mean beating the NDP, whose signature color is orange.
Well, on February 10th, it will mean that; in part, anyway. Because on February 10th, Valérie Assouline, Conservative Party candidate for the DDO-Pierrefonds riding, hosts a 5-7pm evening to casually meet with voters in a get-to-know-the-candidate event (at Les 3 Brasseurs on Brunswick Blvd).
However, the second part of that evening, at 7pm, will unfold as the Montreal Canadiens take on the Philadelphia Flyers - whose signature color (yes, that's right) is orange.
The slogan is just one of the campaign's brilliant marketing strategies to engage voters who might otherwise avoid anything political. Pulling in the political atmosphere with our beloved Habs in a double-entendre is sure to catch the attention of smart, informed voters who enjoy the play on words that clever campaigns employ. I'm one of those.
I'm also a staunch supporter of Valérie and the Conservatives. My political views have been honed over the past 2 or 3 years, and as I've become more informed, more committed and more aware than ever that my vote counts (as EVERY vote counts), I have seen a pronounced converging of my personal values with those of the CPC.
So, what is it that Valérie can offer?
First, a strong female presence in office, a woman who not only practices law, and follows a rigorous campaign schedule, but who is the dedicated mother of four young (and gorgeous, I might add) children, a devoted wife, and a proud Canadian.
DDO has not had a Conservative MP in many years. Gerry Weiner was our last one, and he is a mentor Valérie has drawn from; his speech at her launch party was inspirational. That evening was my first true political event, and my first time hearing Valérie speak publically; I was swept up in the excitement, and fired up to get involved. She's that powerful a voice.
Having only 3 real choices in my riding in past elections, I've had to go with Liberal, to preserve Quebec's presence in Canada. But as I've embraced my conservative side more and more, I've lamented the lack of a CPC presence in the province and in my riding. Valérie is changing that.
Valérie offers what the Tories do: less government. More economic growth. Family values that speak to every family's needs of raising kids, maintaining income, and living well.
But you know what? I'm not going to speak for Valérie. She's more than capable of speaking for herself, and she is offering you the opportunity to listen on the 10th of February.
So, why not join us? Coming to the evening, even if it's for 30 minutes, or an hour, is your chance to listen. Are you a Liberal Party supporter? NDP loyal? I urge you to give Valérie a chance. Listen to her. The 10th is NOT about campaigning. It's not about party. It's about the woman who can represent DDO in Ottawa come this fall, the woman who just wants to help her constituents, her province, her country. And trust me, when she speaks, she'll get, and hold your attention.
I've learned something, in my political awakening. I've learned to listen to the issues, not be swayed or turned off by Party. I see too many people instantly tune out when they hear the word "Conservative". I candidly admit, the old me used to do the same. But the reason so many people stay away from "politics" is because the word is so vague and - to some - intimidating or off-putting. As I stated here, politics embody the down-to-earth, personal issues that affect us all.
But when you dig deep, you find issues that speak to you. And in politics, you don't have to dig too deep - you just have to listen. Try and find something that matters to you, and do a comparison between what each party is offering. Time and time again, the Tories will offer you more autonomy and isn't that what we all want? Do we WANT to live in the Liberal world of Big Government, where they think they know what's best for our money? Do you enjoy being controlled by your government?
I don't.
But I want more. I want to be involved in helping to change this province, and keep our country strong. That's why I volunteered to be on Valérie's team, and am not only deeply honored to help play a role, but am profoundly, personally invested in making her election a reality.
So here's my proposition: follow the information here, and come by on Tuesday night. You don't have to stay for the game, if you don't want to (but what better way to celebrate our amazing Habs than to cheer along with dozens of other fans at the top of our lungs?).
But give Valérie this opportunity to allow you to get acquainted; with her, with her commitment. When she says "A Strong Voice" she means it. She is dynamic, articulate, and when she speaks, you can feel her integrity. It's a casual evening, you'll get a free drink, and snacks, and the chance to mingle with people who might just help you decide what role you'd like to play from this point forward. People who - led by Valérie Assouline - might just energize you to follow a new path.
Come get to know her. Coming to this evening isn't a huge commitment on your part, and who knows? You might just start to get as excited about the political climate as I am. No one is going to sit you down for 2 hours and make long speeches. It's a meet-and-greet. And then, when she's making waves in Ottawa to help us improve our way of life, you can say, "I knew her when..."
Future blog entries will deal with the choices we have, as Canadians, this October. And yes, I will strongly state my position as to why Stephen Harper is the best choice for our country (don't take my word for it - Canadians feel the same way). For now, I'm inviting you to join us on Tuesday.
Be the change you want to see in the world: Gandhi got it right. It starts with us. We have the ability to hire Valérie to do the job she wants to do for us in Ottawa, as our representative. Come by on Tuesday night - I'd love to see you there.
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