As I sit at my kitchen table awaiting the arrival of newly tinted roots, I am reflecting back on today and yesterday.

Wednesday was indeed a good day. I had a chance to talk to so many people. There was a great moment when a group of people from one neighbourhood all came outside and we talked on the street. There were a couple of families, a retired couple and a dog and 2 wee children. And guess what we talked about? The promised junior high school?

NO.

Property assessments. We all just got them in the mail!! Stratford residents are very angry about how their assessments have continued to rise for no apparent reason. One man pointed out to me that his acreage had even shrunken somehow. But that his assessment went up. He is not a happy camper. They were happy to hear about the Liberal Party Tax Fairness Plan which includes a freeze on property tax assessments for three years. As well the plan to implement a new assessment methology by 2010 that ties increases to the cost of living.

Later in the day, I got bit by another dog. Both thumbs now have been chewed upon. And once again the owner reassured me the dog was Liberal. Sheesh. Funny way of showing it. Well, I must say I’d rather a dog bite than the bite many Stratford residents are offering to any unsuspecting Tory that might be lurking about.

Speaking of which, I ran into the incumbent twice today. We just happened to end up canvassing in the same areas at the same time.

My feet were getting a tad tired today so I had to go home and switch footwear. My red boots aren’t made for the paces of the campaign trail.

I am truly enjoying this. The great people I have had the privilege of meeting has really helped me to understand the bigger reason people step forward to serve the public. It’s one thing to meet people and get to know them, but to be able to offer them a voice in government is humbling. People in Stratford really do want to be heard. Their concerns are as varied as each one of them. And as many concerns there are as many ideas for solutions. I am learning that it is all about listening.

Good night.