I’m so pleased that my ward councillor Matt Brown threw his hat into the ring to run for Mayor of London today.  Matt’s the sort of politician that will listen to people and thinks through all sides of an issue before making a decision.

I remember first meeting Matt when he came to my door during the 2010 campaign. In the short chat we had then it was apparent that Matt would not just agree with what ever potential voter answered the door. He would listen and would give his opinion on an issue and why he thought that way.

During the time he has been serving the residents of Ward 7 as well as the residents of the rest of the city of London, he has always tried to understand all sides of an issue and tried to find a compromise.  I have seen this both on council and at London Public Library Board meetings which I regularly attend. There have been times I have not always agreed with him, but I challenge anyone to find a candidate they will agree with every single issue on.

Politics is the art of compromise. Unfortunately it’s become very polarized.  We need people willing to listen and engage. Not just at election time as current people on council have said but throughout the term. And despite what some may say, your behaviour in and out of council will determine how people view your ideas. Gina Barber’s excellent post on becoming a councillor is also quite enlightening. I have found Matt to be hardworking and caring for the citizen’s of London.

I’m endorsing Matt based on my interactions and observations.  But don’t just vote for anyone without doing your own research.  Elect someone who you feel represents what you most want but is willing to listen to other views.  No one is right all the time and there are times that long-held beliefs are wrong and you may have your opinion changed.

In the end we all live in a community and we need to help all members of the community, but doing that we are so much better for it.