Hi, I'm a Liberal - Branding

Martha Hall Findlay Outreach Tour

Official Party Status Back for Toban Libs

My prediction in tomorrows May 22 Provincial Election a Reduced NDP Majority with 4 Liberals including Marvin Krawec in Portage, Paul Hesse in Fort Rouge and Jennifer Lukovich in Seine River. A great campaign for Jon and Company no "faux pas" and a renewed future for the Manitoba Liberal Party. Too little too late in some ridings but well run campaigns by Wayne and Rhonda in the Inner City and some great add ons in Fort Garry and Kirkfield Park have provided some renewed energy to the once dormant party.
Well done Jon , Dennis and Georgina !!!

What other Province does NOT televise the Leaders Debate?

Venting, appalled, or just weather ballooning but what other province does NOT televise the LIVE Leader's Debate? What other province does not have the top 3 newspapers present for a round table ? Where does the Chamber of Commerce pull out due to Governing Parties demands? Is Manitoba that far off the "beat and path" that we can not see the Leaders engaged in debate and with some "spritzy" and on the mark missile launchers pointed at a sitting leader? Do we live in a democracy? I have to tell you this Election has been off the public psyche so far that the Winnipeg Morning Radio Shows are taking about re-runs, has-been's and the next Fall's TV sitcoms rather which Leader has presented the best platform. This is not good for the Opposition Liberals or Tories. The ever elusive and apathetic 18- 35 year old voter focused on long weekend camping sites in the Whiteshell, next Tuesday's Election looks more like the Turtle Races in Beasujour. If Voter turnout hits the 60% mark I will be surprised. I have done my civic duty attending the Local St. Vital Legion and casting my ballot in favour of the St . Vital Liberal Candidate Harry Wolbert you have my vote. I only hope some strong Eday Liberal machines in Portage, Fort Rouge, River Heights, Kirkfield Park and Seine River can bring out every single living Liberal Voter.

Liberal machine coming through

Well two weeks into Election 07 and I have to say my early predictions of a Tory Majority are no longer. Doer is holding strong and not misstepping in any way. The Dippers are working hard and Hugh, as much as his platform is well thought out, is just not resonating as strong as he should be at this juncture. Liberal Leader Jon Gerrard on the other hand is proving that experience and life happenings are profitable in this campaign. Dr. Gerrard and his knowledge of the Health Care system, understanding of the Environment and devout spiritual strength is proving to be a formidable presence in Manitoba. In fact I had occasion to door knock with Marvin Krawec in Portage yesterday and the community is a buss with Marvin and change. Marvin is a well respected member of the community, devout father and volunteer on the Library Board, CMHA Board, founding member of Koko Platz Community Centre Board and Southport Aerospace and this as well as his consummate Liberal participation is resonating well with Portage voters. In fact I will go on record to to say he is our strongest candidate Provincially since Gordon Johnston held the seat in the 7o's. In fact Gordon's daughter Norma is his Official Agent. We spoke to former NDP supporters who took signs and say the will help volunteer and Tories doing the same. Most fruititiously a divided Tory Nomination race with the name Pallister coming up more than any other has proven to shift focus to the Liberals. In fact sitting MLA David Farshau was signing up constituents in a hurried and almost frenzied manner in attempt to get the 100 signatures to make him the duly nominated candidate. Farshau needs the signatures by Tuesday so can you say "panic" and poor organization. The man holds the record for most hours slept in the Leg so getting his forms in late may be a sign of things to come. Of special note is Marvin's stand for 5 million for a New Portage Recreational Complex a stand now supported by Doer. Interesting times and good times to be a Liberal in Portage.

Life and loosing friends

Today life and that infinite plan God has for all of us hit home. I received some very, very sad news today a close friend whom I have umpteen hundreds of great life happenings with has past away at the tender age of 44. Tom McGonigal. Tommy was a man of wisdom, compassion and generosity that I have seen few equal in my 41 years on this planet. He shared where he could, he loved where he did and changed people views on life just by being the person he was. I came to meet Tom McGonigal through a close friend Darryl Balasko or "DB" as he is affectionately known. Tom and I instantly hit off and we shared great moments on life, friends and events. In the past few years he had been living in Vancouver and we had only gotten together a few times but they were good moments of life. Tom was a positive and upbeat guy with a deep appreciation for life - Laurel his partner, his friends and family. I saw him just 2 weeks ago he came to visit his brother (who had suffered a mild heart attack) and in that true "Tommy" form we had great laughs and chuckles and spoke glowingly with lots of humour and belly chuckles about Grey Cup (he was BC Lion fan), mutual friends and family. We shared a Salisbury Nip with DB. That would be the last time I would see him and it was a good one. My heart and deep sympathy go to his family. It is a huge loss for a man so loved and appreciated to be taken from us so young. This will be two friends in the past 5 years under the age of 45 whom have left us. Truly sad moments in my life to have lost such good persons. Tom McGonigal - a good friend and wonderful human being.