This blog endorses Mark Dotzert for National Council (Ontario)

Well, after several weeks of investigating, reading online profiles, asking questions of various contacts, and getting the final week bombardment of e-mail and letters from the National Council candidates for Ontario, I've made my decision on whom I'm going to support... I am publicly endorsing Mark Dotzert for one of Ontario's four seats on National Council. I encourage everyone to spread the word and join his Facebook group!

Of all the candidates, he was BY FAR the most responsive and available. I asked him some tough questions on the powers of National Council and the role of EDA's, and I must say on every subject we've touched on, I've liked what I heard. And his answers never once struck me as pandering... strikes me as a real straight shooter, honest, and genuine. Add to that his proven track record of recruitment and organizing... he's one of the guys we have to thank for knocking off Liberal whip Karen Redman!

Of course, that's not to say that none of the other candidates weren't responsive, or wouldn't make fine additions to National Council. Doug Hawkins seems to be a good choice too, he's high on my list of second choices, and Kevin Wiener strikes me as an interesting young guy... at only 18, he's already racked up some solid experience. Perhaps not enough to get my vote this time around, but he certainly strikes me as one to watch over the coming years. Then there's Kara Johnson, who is not only the only woman in the field, but is also the only incumbent running for re-election, and is likely a shoe-in as a result. Simon Chapelle and Mark Borer both have impressive resumes, and Mark's got the longest endorsement list of any of the candidates I've see thus far. (which is actually a bit of a turn off for me... give the impression of being the "establishment" candidate)

All in all, the field looks pretty impressive. Let's just hope we see some regional diversity this time around, rather than just a Toronto block of Councillors.