Unpredictable. Unfocused. Just like life.

Think you can't make a difference? Think again.

A little over three years ago, as a result of some appalling decisions, a friend of mine was unhappy with the caliber of politicians in municipal office in our town, as well as the fact that they were often acclaimed. He decided that he would attempt to recruit more candidates, and run debates so that citizens could get to know the candidates and what they stood for. He recruited about ten people including me into a group called the Voter Support Committee, a group with no political bias, but a desire to inform.

For the municipal elections three years ago, on a shoestring budget, we put together a website and a series of debates. Citizens came in droves and got informed. They turfed all of the incumbents, electing all new councillors. And the Voter Support Committee gained some credibility.

So three years later, for this election, we did it all over again. Sponsors were more than willing to fund us and help us out. Out debates were run even more smoothly, often attracting more people than televised debates put on by the local paper. Coverage in the local paper of the debates was excellent. There were excellent candidates, no acclaimations, and people were again informed.In fact, our debates gave one mayoral candidate the chance to shine, and she won.

Last night the council went from all male to 50% male/50% female, with a few upsets. Because people got a chance to know the candidates, and to ask them questions that were important to them.

Because of one person. Because one person can make a difference.