Desmond
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From Politics to Youth Outreach worker, a man who's heart and soul is worn on his sleeve. Desmond Cole, Last years city idol Winner became a confident runner in last years Ward 20 election for City Council. As we all know the election has past, i have a feeling that we have not seen the last of Mr. Cole, i had a chance to talk with him in a great section of his ward...The Great Kensington Market. Tell a bit about yourself? I waz born in Red deer Alberta. My parents are from Sierra Leone, I have an older sister who is 28yrs old. 2. What does your parents do? Everyone in my family is in the healthcare field. 3.Why Politics? Its time for grassroots, and its time to bring people together. My mom would say when she would come home from work that " I am so grateful and we should not exploit it" That motto sticks with me till now. 4. How is life after the eletion? I feel that everything happened in a positive light, I have no regrets. I recieved alot of encouragement during that process. 5. What did you feel voter were looking for? I feel people are dying for better representation more than half of the city did not vote. 6. What do you think our electorial system lacks? Runners with accountability. We are a country that has to main parties and when we are not happy " We elect there cousin" Its important to have new faes in these parties. 7. What do you think of local politics? Its the smallest form of community action( grassroots) and it keeps the community informed. 8. Is there a flaw in Community politics? The fear of real change. 9. Why? We are afraid to take big steps ,Things we could do we say we can't afford it. 10. What are some actions we an do that do not cost the City? Car free Sunday( in Kensington Market) do really well, and don't cost anything. 11. What are some flaws in the city that you feel can be corrected? Poverty, Pan-handlers, and affordable housing. We need the help from ALL levels of government. 12. Very True....preach on..... As a young black person, you resist the system because it treats us unfairly until you are there and represented. Its hard when a Jordan Manners issue occurs and a farmer kills all those women in British Columbia and no one says " Its the white community" but a young black man gets shot and its the black community. 13. In that situation...what can a person do? If your going to complain use that energy and do something positive. " Our community is being singled out, and we can't wait for others people to do it for us." 14. Who inspires you? People in power making it happen. 15. Like.... Stephen Lewis He has hopes. Baraka Obama he is interesting and seems to have a chance. 16. What has this political experience done for you? My confidence is stronger and i feel more thick skinned and stronger in politics. 17. What do you think about violence in our communities? Change your attitude about your community instead of getting outsiders. We are asking the police to do a job they CAN'T do. The flaw with media is it does NOT Challenge my notion on society. Media will travel to find dilemmas if it is not going on in the city? 18. Any last words??? We are experts in out own communities if we believe it!!!!!
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