William Ashley Posted August 18, 2008 Report Posted August 18, 2008 (edited) Hi, I'm looking to run as a local independant - while also trying to form a party. I found when I attempted to do this in the last Ontario Election, red tape blocked my way - I needed an accountant even if I wasn't running election expenses or taking donations, and potentially other people - and a monetary retaining fee. Why is it that these barriers exist - are there any groups that support democracy in Canada that help people run as independants? If so who? Why does the electoral process bar individuals without financal resources, or support of a professional accountant, or supporters, from taking part in the electoral process? Is that support of equal rights for citizens to be eligible for public office? Also anyone that would like to help with my campaign or help form the Social Party do say so. I've had a few suggestions on accountants etc.. to act as auditor but none have solidified yet. Anyone interested in an experiment to see what it is like. I plan on making a documentary on it, and filming my experiences, as just some guy who is trying to take part in the political process - and document the obsticals and barriers that exist in way of laws and redtape that have no real purpose for existing other than class bias. Help me insure a democratic Canada! The charter states "the right to run for public office themselves".. yet I have had this prevented for me - and how is fundamental justice involved to bar me from seeking public office? ps my email is [email protected] Edited August 18, 2008 by William Ashley Quote I was here.
FTA Lawyer Posted August 18, 2008 Report Posted August 18, 2008 I hate to break it to you, but if you cannot manage to comply with simple eligibility requirements...and if you cannot find a single accountant willing to audit a no expenses and no donations campaign for a reasonable fee, then you will have little success in your political career. You have failed to persuade me that your right to run for public office has been unlawfully infringed. Here's a thought...maybe use the money you were going to spend on a documentary... FTA Quote
William Ashley Posted August 19, 2008 Author Report Posted August 19, 2008 (edited) I hate to break it to you, but if you cannot manage to comply with simple eligibility requirements...and if you cannot find a single accountant willing to audit a no expenses and no donations campaign for a reasonable fee, then you will have little success in your political career.You have failed to persuade me that your right to run for public office has been unlawfully infringed. Here's a thought...maybe use the money you were going to spend on a documentary... FTA I spit on the notion of economic disenfranchisement to run for political office. What money for a documentary? I have a video camera? Where is the money after that, I didn't purchase the Camera for the purpose of making the docu, I purchased the Camera for a variety of reasons including my radioshow - which I would like to do Video segments for. None the less economic disenfranchisement should NOT be supported. Why pay a deposit to run? What is the reason? Also why should I need to get an auditor if I'm not doing anything financial? It makes no sense and is unreasonable. Although I've had a handful of auditors express interest or suggestions of auditors who would likely be interested. Luckily there are others who value democracy without professional class and economic barriers. Insuring a solid team of people to act to insure that redtape requirements is there. This is grass roots, not a business. It is about putting forth a canidate who cares about people, and cares about their concerns, and is willing to represent them. My personal values are heavily in support of education, NO TAX, protection of Canadian resources/industry, and business, and a solid model for creation of crown corps to address concerns such as Artic Resources, and Energy assurance. I also support an end to invasive uses of the Canadian Military for reasons of regime change. It would be better if Canada supported intelligent immigration and opening of the Territories to settlement. Also I firmly support revisions to the Criminal Code and sentancing guidelines, and the court process to insure timely court process, and jailtime only for those not willing to work in workcamps or partake in diversion programs and restitution, where public safety, or repeat crime is not a factor; sentancing should reflect a public and personal benefit NOT a loss for society and the individual, and should be geared to resolve, not punish. Edited August 19, 2008 by William Ashley Quote I was here.
FTA Lawyer Posted August 19, 2008 Report Posted August 19, 2008 I agree with you in principle that lack of money should not bar someone from running for political office...but you still have failed to convince me that is the case. You say you have the accountant criteria likely met...so what is the monetary fee that is barring you? Be specific, and you may well find people willing to send you a couple bucks. FTA Quote
Wild Bill Posted August 19, 2008 Report Posted August 19, 2008 I spit on the notion of economic disenfranchisement to run for political office. What money for a documentary? I have a video camera? Where is the money after that, I didn't purchase the Camera for the purpose of making the docu, I purchased the Camera for a variety of reasons including my radioshow - which I would like to do Video segments for.None the less economic disenfranchisement should NOT be supported. Why pay a deposit to run? What is the reason? Also why should I need to get an auditor if I'm not doing anything financial? It makes no sense and is unreasonable. A certain minimum requirement only makes sense. If it cost nothing what would stop some political guerilla from Queens U. with an axe to grind from putting forth a hundred frivolous candidates in a riding, just to ensure a ten foot long ballot to list them all so he can think he made some kind of valuable statement? That being said, the bar should not be so high that the average citizen is locked out. Still, running just to have your name on a ballot is little more than egoboo, if you have no goal of garnering enough votes from your fellow citizens to have a shot at winning the riding. If you are serious then you should already have been gathering supporters and workers for your campaign. They should have been raising money for you to pay for signs and whatever else you need. In other words, is someone seriously trying to help his fellow citizens with positive political change or is he simply dinking around? "Makers, takers and fakers. There are NO other kinds!" ---P T Barnum Quote "A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul." -- George Bernard Shaw "There is no point in being difficult when, with a little extra effort, you can be completely impossible."
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