On March 5, 2007 either Kirk West or Lois Brown will be selected as the Conservative candidate for the federal riding of Newmarket/Aurora. If you Google both candidates, here are the hits which you will find in the first 25 pages.
- www.loisbrown.ca - her official campaign website. It's static, non-interactive. Lois basically talks about herself for almost 8 web pages.
- Lois Brown Bio - Wikipedia
- Lois Brown Bio - www.conservative.ca (Conservative Party website)
- Lois Brown Bio - www.ctv.ca
- Lois Brown's 2004 Conservative nomination defeat to Belinda Stronach - www.canadawebpages.ca
- Lois Brown's defeat to Belinda Stronach in the 2006/01/23 General Election - www.webinfo.parl.gc.ca
Not the most sparkling of political CV's. Lois Brown has been vigorously seeking election since 2003, and during these past 4 years, Google does not show a single speech, a single opinion piece, not one single blog, media interview, nor comments on issues of any kind attributable to Lois. Nor does it show other pundits, bloggers or journalists writing about Lois.
KIRK WEST
- www.kirkwest.ca official campaign website - totally interactive with streaming videos and podcasts. Kirk talks about the issues, his 3 commitments to the people of Newmarket/Aurora and introduces his Personal Pledge of Accountability - this is a political first, not to be found in any other political system anywhere else in the world. It's quite a ground-breaking and dynamic concept from this very creative and remarkable young man from Newmarket. If every single candidate were mandated to offer their own personal pledge, it would radically change the face of Canadian politics forever.
- www.kirksblog.blogspot.com - approximately 60 insightful blogs on the issues of the day over a 7 month period.
- www.torontotories.blogspot.com - featuring and reprinting of an excerpt from Kirk's blog rebutting Darien Baxter, with a RECOMMENDED READ from this blog.
- www.kirkwest.ca - details of Conservative candidate nomination meeting.
- Kirks Blog - debates Dion's leadership.
- www.wikio.com - RECOMMENDS READING of one of Kirk's blog's.
- www.freedominion.ca - Kirk's blog is listed as "Blogs FDers Like.
It's time to throw out all of the mumbo-jumbo, smoke and mirrors along with all of the trite Lois Brown political speak. Google clearly and impartially illustrates some of the substantial differences between the Same Old Lois, and the Not the Same Old Same Old Kirk West.
I hope that this time around, the Conservatives of Newmarket/Aurora, who have traditionally not become involved in the process, for a myriad of reasons, will take the time to attend the Nomination meeting on March 5/07 to listen very carefully to what Kirk has to say.
I would also encourage those who may have decided to support Lois solely on the basis of her community involvement to give pause, and to listen with understanding to the tremendous potential that Kirk can bring to the quality of their lives.
29 comments:
Lois is my neighbour and she is anything but the same old. She is one of those people who is there for everyone. She had good experience working for Frank Klees so she would be quite capable of working hard for us all. While she is not as computer savy as Kirk, I would expect if she wins the nomination Kirk would be there to help her. Kirk's webpage is amazing. I am looking forward to attending the nomination meeting to hear them both.
btw,you are missing your link to Lois on Wikipedia. She is here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lois_Brown
Thank-you Dianne,
The question is not whether Lois is capable of working hard for us, rather it is whether she is capable of working smart for us.
The demographics are rapidly shifting in our riding and the "touchpoints" which exist to build the Conservative party brand and to ultimately capture the hearts and minds of our neighbours are growing each and every day.
A younger demographic expects to be able to communicate through many and diverse avenues. The digital age is rapidly replacing many of the "meet and greet" social events where a candidate was able to garner support and to get their message across.
Witness the awesome power of the blogosphere and its effect upon the results of the recent U.S midterms... a lesson not lost on Kirk.
I would submit that unless Lois is prepared to embrace new methodologies to build core support for our party,(don't forget that we live in a riding which has with very few excep-tions voted Liberal since 1867), unless she has a clear cut strategy (over and above the strategy from headquarters) and the ability to attract heavy Liberal support, Lois may win the nomination because of the same old core support which she has built up over the years, but she will once again lose the election. Lets not forget that in the last election Lois was able to raise the Conservative vote by a little over 500.
This unfortunately tells me that, outside her core support Lois is not relevant and therefore the same old same old.
I would encourage you, when attending the nomination meeting to do so with an open mind. Not only is Kirk's webpage amazing, but so is he.
Thank-you Dianne for the Wikipedia Link.
While on the topic of Wikipedia I wonder, since you are Lois' neighbour, whether you can shed some light on something which was written, namely; "Brown looks to be nominated as the Conservative Party's candidate in the riding again next election, but is rumoured to be looking to step down after that.
Is that true?
Robert I checked out "Brown looks to be nominated as the Conservative Party's candidate in the riding again next election, but is rumoured to be looking to step down after that" and as it says it is a rumour. Lois and hubby Kelvin have a lot on their plates right now as Kelvin's mother died on Friday. His mom was in a tragic car accident 18 years ago and Lois and Kelvin have gone every day over the past 18 years to feed her and take care of her. That is the kind of person Lois is, dedicated, loyal, and beyond the call of duty.
Is it true Lois Brown was fired from Frank Klees' office?
Couldn't tell you. I'll see what I can find out.
How could that be true since Frank always endorses Lois. Are you trying to purposely spread rumours and gossip?
Rumours are everywhere so I do not know if this is just one. Is it true that Kirk ran against Lois for the Alliance nomination and lost?
Dianne I must say that I'm a little surprised by your your comment regarding my response to the question "Is it true that Lois Brown was fired from Frank Klees office?"
First of all, I was RESPONDING to a comment which was posted by an ANONYMOUS blogger.It was not a post made by The Cantankerous Conservative. Perhaps you may notice that there is a difference between the two.Unlike Lois, I don't need someone else to speak my mind publically on important issues My response was crystal clear or so I thought ...it WAS
"Couldn't tell you. I'll see what I can find out." Are we having a problem with basic English?
Second of all Frank Klees has never come up in any of my blogs.Strange that it should come up now.
Thirdly, I couldn't care less about the nature of the working relationship that existed between Lois and Frank because it has nothing at all to do with this nomination race. I don't need to spread rumours of any kind about Lois ... her lack of success when it comes to CONSISTENTLY LOSING TO BELINDUH speaks for itself.
Dianne, you have a strange way of connecting the dots which leads me to question whether Anonymous in fact is from the Lois Brown camp stirring up a pot which didn't exist up untill now.
Speaking of rumours Dianne ... aren't we quickly becoming The National Enquirer ... I'll give you the same response to your question about Kirk, Lois and the defunct Alliance Party.Hopefully you will understand.
"COULDN'T TELL YOU. I'LL SEE WHAT I CAN FIND OUT!"
An interesting post, certainly thought provoking and like you I certainly hope that there is a strong turnout for the nomination meeting.
It would most certainly be beneficial to all Conservatives in our riding.
It would also represent an excellent opportunity for our members to experience one of the brightest and most inovative future Parliamentarians.
As his website www.kirkwest.ca clearly illustrates, his potential appeal to all voters is evident, and I believe that Kirk can do something which Lois can't ... and that is to cut deep into the Liberal vote.
Hope to see you there!
Dianne said "Frank always endorses Lois".
I challenge you to show one reference, on the web, in print, or anywhere where Frank Klees endorses Lois Brown.
I have been to a couple of nominations and Frank Klees hasn't even been there, much less endorsed Lois Brown.
In fact, the ONLY time Frank Klees showed up was at Belinda's nomination!
I doubt very much that Frank Klees will be at the upcoming nomination either.
Val Zans
Robert,
Re: Lois Brown vs Kirk West
Alliance Party Nomination Campaign
Dianne asked the question as to whether it is true that Kirk ran against Lois for the Alliance nomination and lost. The answer is yes he ran .... but we don't know it to be fact that he actually lost! Let me explain. I speak from personal experience for I WAS THERE!
Let me begin by first identifying myself. My name is Val Zans and I was an Alliance Party member at that time. Here are the chain of events.
1. Kirk entered the campaign at literally the last minute - approximately 40 days prior to the actual vote. Lois on the other hand had been campaigning for quite some time.
2. Without a team of anykind, Kirk literally went door to door with a single promotional piece, a copy of which I still have, attempting to speak with as many people as he could about the Alliance Party platform. Kirk signed me and my family to memberships.
3. At the nomination meeting, prior to the candidates speeches, while Kirk was practising his speech in a closed room, Lois Brown stood by the entrance doors greeting members as they arrived.
4. I was totally apalled and disgusted to watch and listen Lois tell members that they could cast their votes right then and there and that they didn't have to stay to listen to the speeches. To me this was not only unacceptable but morally reprehensible for it is nothing less than the usurping of the democratic process.
5. Some members of the riding association were in the foyer and witnesses to these shenanigans, yet did not take any action whatsoever to put a stop to it. This in my opinion is even more reprehensible!
6. The guest speaker that evening was Gary Breitkruz, the Honorable Member for Yorkton Melville. During a conversation I had with Mr. Breitkruz later that evening, he expressed his disgust that Alliance members were allowed to vote ahead of time.
7. Mr. Breitkruz also expressed his disappointment for the total lack of respect for the democratic process demonstrated by both the riding association and by Lois Brown. He indicated in the strongest terms that he would be bringing this matter to the attention of the national Alliance Party executive. I don't know if he ever did, for on that night I walked away from the Alliance Party because of the "sanctioned actions" of Lois Brown.
8. After the vote was tabulated and Lois declared the winner, there were many members ( I am personally aware of at least 21) who sought out Kirk to congratulate him on the quality of his speech and the ideas which he put forth and to also make the unprecedented comments that they would have voted for Kirk instead of Lois had they taken the opportunity to listen to his speech instead of being cajoled by Lois to vote for her as they walked in the front door.
9. As troubling as Lois' actions were ... this is even more troubling. After the votes were tabulated and Lois Brown declared the winner the actual VOTE COUNT WAS NEVER EVER MADE PUBLIC. It wasn't announced that night ... it wasn't announced at a later date ... it was never published.
10. I know this also to be factual ... that even up untill today, whenever Kirk has asked those who were privy to the election results ... what those final counts were ... HE HAS NEVER BEEN GIVEN AN ANSWER. And we point with righteous indignation at the voting irregularities in Florida in the last U.S Presidential election when speculation was rife that George W. had hijacked the election. Sad.
11. As a citizen of this country I DEMAND TO KNOW what the hell went on that night! If Lois Brown won the election "fair and square" then why the secrecy about the vote counts up untill today? And let me tell you folks, that if Lois Brown or any of the former Alliance Party riding association executives who, as a result of this blog were to suddenly and miraculously produce and make available those results after Kirk has been stonewalled all of these years, I will ask for an official investigation.
12. Isn't it interesting that in 2006 when Lois wanted to take another run at Belinda Stronach, she made a phone call to Kirk to ask him not to contest the nomination. Obviously she was worried about the possibility of Kirk running. Could it be that Kirk had already beaten her once those many years ago?
I think that you should know that Kirk showed absolute class in honouring Lois' request and went on to join her team in an effort to defeat Belinda. Personally it's something that I never could have done.
As I watch with interest as Lois and Kirk are contestants once again, it is remarkable how far Kirk has come in such a short period of time. He most certanly is NOT THE SAME OLD SAME OLD ... Lois Brown STILL IS! And because she is, I ask that the Conservative Party put in place vote-count safeguards and make the RESULTS OF THIS NOMINATION VOTE TRANSPARENT so that there is not even a hint of impropriety.
Val Zans
Kirk ran against Lois for the Allaince party and was defeated.
I do not believe Frank Klees is supporting anyone in this nomination race.
Interesting that Frank was at Belinduhs nomination.
Re: Lois Brown vs Kirk West
Thank-you Val for your comment.
If the sequence of events are as you have described, this is an extremely serious matter, for it speaks directly to a possible wrong doing and impugns the character and integrity of a candidate who once again is running for public office.
I believe that your comments demand an explanation and clarification from Lois Brown directly!
I will be voting for Belinda Stronach no matter who she runs against from the Conservatives
Frank fired Lois and local Conservatives should do the same
Didn't Lois Brown accuse Belinda of "fixing" the nomination and launch a complaint with elections Canada?
In response to the comments made by Val. I too was at the nomination meeting that Val refers to. I became a member of the Alliance party, after discussing the issues with Mr. Kirk West. I had not previously been involved with the political process, other than to make sure I cast my vote in an election. Kirk so impressed me at that time with his knowledge and insight to the issues of the day that I became a member.
My view of the process was changed after that nomination meeting.
Everything Val says about the process is true. I was approached at the entrance to the room by Ms Brown and told that I didn't need to hang around for the speeches, that I could vote right away and leave if I wished to do so.
Kirk was no where to be found, because as I later realized, he was going over his notes, somewhere in the back.
I saw many people casting there ballots in advance. I didn't cast mine, because I felt it was necessary and Democratic to here all the speeches, and make a more informed decision.
In addition it's true that the vote count has never been published.
Kirk's presentation at that meeting, and his ideas was miles ahead of the other two nominees, and I was very shocked and distressed that, after all the fine work and dedication that Kirk put into his campaign, with only a very short period of time to do it, was totally trashed by the most UNDEMOCRATIC, and quite frankly in my opinion, UNDERHANDED VOTING PROCESS.
I also stopped supporting the alliance party, right after that evening.
What disturbs me the most is that no one did anything about it.
I have mentioned it to Kirk on a few occasions, but he declines from commenting. He has way too much class to either make an issue of it or even let it bother him. His attitude and ideas, remain completely positive.
To all the Lois supporters out there... If she wins the nomination this time around, I guarantee the conservatives of Newmarket/Aurora, will have no representation in Ottawa after the next election.
If we keep doing the same things we've done in the past, we must expect to see the same results for the future.
Please...NOT THE SAME OLD SAME OLD!
Thank-you Hucksbud,
First let me thank-you for corroborating Val Zans' comments.
I view this to be an extremely serious matter and I thank Val for bringing it to our attention.
Not only should Lois Brown be held accountable for her blatant disregard for the democratic process, but so should all those who served on the riding association of the former Alliance Party and who now serve on the current Conservative riding association.
I am so upset that I will be emailing Conservative Party headquarters with the facts as I know them and asking for a postponment of the nomination pending a review of these facts and a specific commitment to audit the practices of Lois Brown in this current race and the assurance that the actual vote will be monitored by headquarters.
If the Conservative party fails to respond with affirmative action to ensure the integrity that our citizens demand, I will be bringing this matter to the attention of the media as soon as possible.
WE DO NOT HAVE TO ACCEPT THE SAME OLD SAME OLD!!!!!!!!!!
To Robert,
It's refreshing to read comments from someone who seems to be willing to embrace some new and original approaches to the political landscape.
It frustrates me when I see people vote for parties and then complain immediately after the mandate is executed, yet when broken promises are the daily fair, it somehow seems OK. The public pontificates about reform and then panics at the ballot box. I don't get it!!!
In a recent conversation with Kirk, I pointed out that Big Gun politicians have to tow the line from there supporters to get ahead. "The Old Boy Rule"
His response...
"My goal is to represent the constituents in my riding, a back bench seat is fine with me, my interests are to offer a better life for the generations to come. The issues are clear...The Same-Old-Same-Old WILL KILL US!!!"
In my opinion, Kirk is dedicated to his beliefs and he's getting my vote.
Checking out Lois' website, she made the following statements - "I am on a mission to take back the environmental issue for our party." First of all, what the hell does that mean???
Lois goes on to say - "We worked colaboratively to design an environmentally-friendly float for the Aurora Santa Claus Parade - The Blue Box Christmas Tree." "Many thanks to Vic Priestly for providing a flat bed truck and a driver for our float."
So what Lois is saying is that she and her collaborators put "an environmentally friendly" display on a flat bed, pulled by a truck spewing exhaust fumes into the air!
Is this part of her mission to "take back" the environmental issue for the Conservatives?
The woman is daft!! Good luck to you Mr. Harper.
Thanks Hucksbud,
I'm sure that Kirk deeply appreciates your support.It would be great if others took the time to really listen to what Kirk has to say on his website and blogs.
There could be a great day coming for the citizens of our riding if they realized the heart and the enormous potential that this young man offers. He also offers his Personal Pledge of Accountability, as close to a money-back guarantee as you can get.
The one thing that I fear are the short memories of voters for this is what keeps our politicians in office.
Thank-you Anonymous for your observations on Lois taking back the environment for the Conservatives.
Perhaps Lois thought that the truck pulling her environmentally friendly float was hydrogen-powered! .... well it's possible.
A leopard never changes its spots. I've read the comments made by both Val Zans and Hucksbud and the alleged actions of Lois Brown do not surprise me at all.
Let me pass on this information.It is my understanding that The Newmarket/Aurora riding association (I don't know how many of them are ex-members of the former Alliance Party riding association)gave Lois access to the riding membership list, under the guise of renewing lapsed memberships (Kirk West was never given the same opportunity) and that Lois has been actively campaigning for them to support her in the nomination race. It is my understanding that this has been going on since last year.This is in direct violation of Conservative policy in this matter.
Apparently Kirk West was only given access to the membership list 2 weeks ago.From the "goodly number" (as Lois Brown put it)of supporter names which she personally delivered to Ottawa, how many were obtained in a deceitful manner?
Sounds like the Lois vs Kirk Alliance nomination vote all over again. Shame!
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please accept my deepest thanks for your support and words of encouragement. Believe me, they are appreciated.
Whatever happened in the past is in the past. The process that happened with the Alliance Party is not going to happen this time. I had a conversation many months ago with our riding president Mr. Stephen Sommerville and he assured me that this won't happen again.
I also know that the nomination committee chair Al Wilson will follow the rules to the letter. Of this I have no doubt, and I'm confident the nomination will follow the principles and values consistent with a fair and democratic process.
I also do not want to alienate anyone or create any ill will whatsoever during or after this nomination. Should Lois Brown win it is my hope that I will be welcome to assist her in the next election campaign.
Let's not forget that Lois Brown has a tremendous amount of support and I am still considered an outsider, an upstart, if you will.
I have said from the very beginning that my candidacy is not so I can oppose Lois Brown, it is so that I can bring my own talents, enthusiasm, and ideals to our democracy and offer them to the people of Newmarket Aurora.
While I am glad these facts have come out and available to the public at large, I do not want any animosity. We are all conservatives here!
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