Inspiration is all around you.
   In life we chose mentors, idols and personalities that can help form, or influence, our personal trajectory.
   We often look up, knowing that is the true intended direction we wish to proceed. In doing so, we look past what may be some of the best influences available.
   In daily life, or in the workplace, we need to take a closer look at those people functioning on the same level we are. It may be the person across from you on the streetcar or sitting at the next desk.
   You may find the needed inspiration is much closer than you realize.

Chloe Brown is one of 102 candidates running in the upcoming by-election for Mayor of Toronto. She placed third in last fall’s race, a respectful finish from a political neophyte battling it out with a popular incumbent mayor running for a third term in office.
    Brown’s presence in the debates leading up to election day was noticeable as she expressed detailed platforms and presented policies that went past the promises and sloganeering proffered by other candidates. She won the hearts and votes of thousands of city residents (including mine).
    When the eventual winner of the election, John Tory, announced his resignation earlier this year after news of his inter-office extramarital affair with a staffer half his age, current and former city councilors began lining up to replace the fallen man.
    Brown is also running for the office again, bringing with her a platform that is so progressive it sets a new standard and raises the bar for municipal politics.
    Brown is tenacious, yet balanced, neither left not right: but not what you would call a centralist. She doesn’t have political party ties or a well-funded campaign machine behind her, but continues to present a platform with greater width and depth than any of her fellow contenders.
    She is an intelligent voice amidst the bullshit and bafflegab of the seasoned politicians. With genuine opinions and possibilities, Brown talks directly to the people and on a level, it seems, the front-runners aren’t able to even comprehend. Largely ignored in the daily mass media, Brown’s campaign is more grassroots in nature, but deserves to be heard.
    Brown offers well-researched solutions and a bold stance at a time when Toronto needs a mayor more than a mascot. She is a voice that needs to be listened to.
    Chloe Brown is an inspiration.
    Let’s hope, on June 26, that enough people are moved by a candidate that is at their level and has the potential to raise us up.

06/04/2023                                                                                           j.g.l.