For the record, here are some exerpts from my speech.
The search for the best possible candidate, meant finding someone who has significant political experience, someone who is well respected, someone who has illustrated a passion for the liberal party goals and aspirations, someone who is articulate, and someone who is courageous enough to put themselves out in front of the public eye and someone who cares enough about the future of this province and in particular the future of this community and riding to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve success.
I am here tonight to nominate that special person, my friend and long time colleague, Moya Johnson.
Moya and I go back a long long way. We were both members of the Georgetown University Women’s Club 20 years ago and participated in a number of small political activities such as a group from the club who took turns attending town council meetings and reporting back to the club.
At that time a fellow club member Gail Rutherford decided to run for council and both Moya and I volunteered to help her out in the campaign. Gail was elected to represent Ward 3. After 3 years Gail decided that she didn’t wish to carry on and so there was an opening for someone to fill. Moya stepped up to fill that void. I had no political aspirations of my own at the time but was filled with admiration for Moya taking the plunge into local politics.
However, 3 years later, there was another opening in Ward 3 and I also threw my hat in the ring. Since that time 14 years ago, Moya and I have worked together for the betterment of Ward 3 and the Town in general.
I am here nominating Moya because I have seen first hand in Moya all of the qualities that I listed previously.
Moya has proven herself through her role as chair of the Accessibility Committee, where she was a champion for more accessible town facilities and services. And as Chair of the Fire Services Committee, championing improved facilities, and now as Chair of the Heritage Committee, where she has supported the preservation of our local heritage buildings.
Her concern for safety and health are ever present
She has an inquiring mind and asks many questions to ensure that she has a full understanding of the issues.
She has been fearless in presenting her view even when her view differs from the majority, such as voting for public transit.
She is unafraid of hard work and made holding down 2 jobs look easy. But believe me, few people would be on that early GO Train after getting home at midnight following a long drawn out council meeting. But Moya did it.
When a complaint comes from the public, Moya is right on top of it, finding out more about the problem and working to find a solution.
•For 17 years she has provided the public with exemplary service
•Stepping up to run for a seat in provincial parliament is a big decision. It means putting a lot of things in your life on hold, such as babysitting one’s cherished grandchildren. It means contemplating getting back on the GO train for another 4 years. It means letting go of local projects and letting others pick up the slack. It means getting to know communities throughout the vast riding and making all of them equal priorities. It means changing focus from purely local issues to adding in broader provincial issues.
.But Moya is up to the challenge. She is enthusiastic and energetic and will make a fabulous MPP.
So I am very pleased and proud and honoured to be nominating my friend and colleague Moya Johnson as the Liberal candidate for the riding of Wellington - Halton Hills.
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