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Do your homework and vote

The Editor, On Nov. 13, a leaflet was dropped through my mail slot recommending one of the mayoralty candidates, along with six names underneath for the available councillor spots in the Nov. 19 civic election.

The Editor,

On Nov. 13, a leaflet was dropped through my mail slot recommending one of the mayoralty candidates, along with six names underneath for the available councillor spots in the Nov. 19 civic election.

At first glance, I was surprised because the leaflet appeared to be akin to a slate, commonly seen in larger municipalities such as Vancouver with political parties such as Vision or the NPA endorsing their own candidates. Upon closer examination, the leaflet states it was "prepared by a neighbour echoing the concerns of some of the residents of Barber Lane." There is no clear official endorsement or name attached, other than the candidates listed on the back page.

The leaflets have travelled far from Port Moody's north shore so I can only assume there is a dedicated group of volunteers helping out with the distribution.

My primary objection to the leaflet is that it lists many issues that are contentious in Port Moody but neglects to say how its recommended candidates differ from any other candidates - it's just a list of hot-button words.

The leaflet relies on emotional triggers without providing clear reasons as to why these candidate "picks" are better than others.

I urge voters to do their homework and then vote according to who they think best aligns with their views and values.

Voters might also want to consider what sort of dynamic they wish to see at city hall once all the votes are counted.

My selections won't correspond to any slate, official or otherwise.

Hazel Mason, Port Moody