EDITOR,
How many signs on the highway does it take to get elected? My answer to this question would be just a few, if the signs were as unique and thought-provoking as the ones posted by Auli Parviainen.
On Nov. 19, we are having a local election in Squamish. This means a new mayor and possibly some new faces on council.
I'm writing this letter to the editor in hope of inspiring more voter turnout on Nov. 19 (it's a Saturday so you can easily tie it in with your weekend grocery shop or turn it into a bike ride downtown with the whole family). I'm also writing this letter to encourage people to stop a moment and ask themselves the question, "Do we really want the same old story?" You can vote for Rob Kirkham, who was on council last year and now wants to be mayor, which equals more of the same, or you can consider an alternative. Auli is a woman who represents change and has my vote for mayor. To me, Auli represents a new and confident voice for our town, one that is not mired with all politics of the past. Auli brings new ideas, diplomacy, leadership, a no games and no nonsense attitude, project management, plus she's a great people person - now that's change!
I met Auli for coffee recently to ask her some questions and try to understand more about who she is and if she's the right person for the job. She was very personable, extremely informed on all the local issues, and a straight shooter who did her homework. I learned that Auli is originally from Finland (that's why she has a slight accent). I also learned that she has lived here for over 20 years and has a fine arts degree and has also studied political science- so she brings the right brain and the left brain to the table! What a great blend. Someone who can speak to the arts and cultural groups of our community yet understands the fundamentals of sustainable business development, government and policy. Lastly, I learned that Auli is not running a local business that could put her in a conflict of interest position as mayor. If she is elected as mayor that will be her job 110 per cent.
Oh, and you know those interesting signs along the highway that ask questions like What if you worked here? Or What would you be doing if you were at home now? Those are Auli's signs. Instead of plastering a ton of signs along the highway and all over town with "Vote for Me" and the old standard check mark (the same old), Auli has created a handful of signs that are strategically placed asking questions that provoke discussion among us many commuters heading north to Whistler or south to Vancouver. This is the kind of innovation we need - not more of the same old.Michelle NeilsonSquamish
