Strathcona County Candidates from Communications Perspective – Part 2

With this post, I will start working my way through the urban wards that are contested in Strathcona County. Below is what I would say to each of the candidates if I were given the chance. As with part one, there are a few disclaimers:

1. These series of blog posts are by no means intended as an exhausted communications analysis of each campaign. I have concentrated mainly on how candidates presented at the Chamber’s urban forum as well as their website and general media coverage and conduct.
2. Communications is, to varying degrees, a combination of science, art and personal opinion. I based my analysis on all three, plus feedback I have received from residents. You are free to agree or disagree.
3. I am currently providing help and advice to a rural candidate. For that reason, I will not be addressing any candidates from the rural wards (6 or 7).

Also, I want to be clear that none of my comments are meant to personally disparage, insult or attack. I have tried to assess each candidate based solely on a communications perspective, however I am human and as such I come with my own biases, which will probably show through.

Ward 1

Vic Bidzinski

Hmmmm…. I’m really not sure what to say here. I get the distinct impression that Vic was taken by surprise on Sept. 20, 2010 to discover he had an opponent and would have to run an election campaign.

At the urban forum, he painted a story of a long time resident with children and grandchildren raised in Sherwood Park, of a man who has fought for residents and will continue to fight for residents.

All of that is good stuff. Nothing wrong there. Just nothing that would make someone say, “yeah, that’s the man to represent me!” – a well-polished delivery, but not full of much substance or anything new.

After he spoke at the forum, I still wasn’t totally sure what he stood for. I know he wants the power lines buried (find me someone in Sherwood Park who would argue with him) but other than that, I was left in the dark.

I went to check out his website to find out more particulars on his platform but, unfortunately, he doesn’t have one. I am not sure if he was unprepared or he is simply confident.  There was an article that ran when he first announced he was seeking re-election that contained some more specific information, but unless his residents read it when it first appeared, they have no where to go now to find out more.

My Advice
Get one of your children or your grandchildren to throw up a website for you and let us know what you are all about.

Murray Hutchinson

Here is another guy that has left me at a bit of a loss for words (try not to express shock).  I mentioned in a tweet that I thought he came across as awkward and uncomfortable. I stand by that impression, but I don’t think it is necessarily a bad thing. He also came across as a whiff of fresh air. After he talked at the forum, I found myself smiling and wanting him to win, just because he was so obviously the new kid on the block.

This Ward 1 candidate came to the table with a bit more information at the forum than his opponent did. He talked about access to seniors house, healthcare and young kids in overcrowded schools. He promised specifics like reading all emails and working towards tax cuts for seniors. However, he too seems a bit unprepared with no website.

My Advice
Sign up for toastmasters like you mentioned in your speech – your humour helped disarm and make up for your lack of experience, but it will only get you so far for so long.