District 6, Stratford - Kinlock is divided up into 11 polls, or 11 areas, each representing a good mix of varied housing, commercial and green space/parks. Over the past month or so I have been knocking on the doors of Stratford residents and listening to their concerns, frustrations and ideas.

I think what I am struck by the most is the amount of interest Islanders have in helping to solve the problems we are facing today. Sure, there are many who just want to voice their frustrations and are glad when someone appears at their door to listen…but more often than not, I have been invited in to sit down and hash through some ideas. Ideas and solutions that are progressive and in the best interest of Islanders. I am very encouraged by the enthusiasm for change Stratford residents are showing.

At the same time, it is apparent and obvious how creative and intelligent people can become so jaded and cynical. When people feel like no one is listening and no one cares about ‘them’ is it easy to see how distrust in government festers and grows. Many of the jaded and cynical are civil servants “tired of not getting anywhere” (in the words of a long-time health care worker living in Stratford). Many of these civil servants have some great ideas for government about how to spend tax-payers money, and they have tried to be heard but the door is closed.

There is much to fix.