A bunch of firsts

It may be hard to believe, but there are plenty of things in politics I haven’t experienced. This year, however, thanks to the Labour campaign, I’ve checked off a whole bunch of things from that list.

Back in July, for example, I attend the first Public Meeting I’d ever been to. The month before, I was at the party’s List Conference for our region, something else I’d never done.

In the past couple weeks, I’ve extended those “firsts”.

Selfie at lunch, after I voted.

On Monday, I went to a candidate debate in Glenfield. That was an interesting experience. I was really sick with a bad cold and had a headache, too. But I was absolutely appalled at the behaviour of National Party candidate Jonathan Coleman, who was belligerent, argumentative and downright rude. I’d never seen him in public before, though, and I was sick, so I thought maybe I just wasn’t seeing things right.

On Saturday, September 6, I voted early for the first time ever. I’ve always voted on Election Day, but this year any voter can vote early and they don’t need a reason. So, Nigel and I got a few family members together with us and we all went and voted—five votes, all up.

Then, the following Monday, I went to another candidate meeting, and Coleman wasn’t as bad—he was far worse! He didn’t just argue with the audience, he also heckled his fellow candidates, Labour’s Richard Hills in particular. I was disgusted at how boorish Coleman was.

Sign waving on Onewa Road (Photo: Richard Hills Facebook Page)

The very next day, I went sign waving for Richard Hills and Labour—the first time I’ve ever done that in any country. Basically, that means we hold campaign signs and wave at passing cars. It was surprisingly fun! We had a LOT of friendly toots and waves from people in passing cars, and only a few thumbs down (we just smiled and waved all the more, which made them smile, too). I’ll let you in on a campaign secret: I took the photos that Richard posted to his campaign Facebook Page (at left).

Since then, I’ve gone sign waving again, delivered more campaign literature and took care of other behind the scenes campaign stuff. It was a good week.

I’m not sure that there are any more firsts left for this campaign, but there’s a lot of work yet to be done. I’m sure I’ll have more to say before I suspend all blog activity on Friday evening, one week from today.