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Clinton News Record, 2016-06-22, Page 11Former federal Liberal candidate in Huron -Bruce publishes book chapter on the experience Allan Thompson, the federal Liberal candidate in Huron -Bruce in last Octo- ber's federal election, has published a book chapter about his run for office. Thompson describes his campaign as "an overwhelmingly positive and enrich- ing experience...the most profound pro- fessional experience of my life:' The 29 -page chapter is included in a publication by Dundum Press called The Canadian Federal Election of 2015. The volume was edited by Carleton University professors Christopher Dor- nan and Jon H. Pammett. Carleton has documented every general election since 1984 with a book bringing together a range of essays on different topics. But this is the first time the book contains a chapter from a candidate who ran for office. "I was most struck by three things," Thompson writes in the chapter. "The degree of volunteer effort by hundreds who joined in the democratic process, the profound and exhilarating interaction with ordinary people on their door -steps or out in the community, and the bone - crunching pace of a modern election campaign:' In the end, Thompson garnered more than 23,000 votes (up from the Liberal tally of less than 9,000 in 2011), but lost to the popular Conservative incumbent Ben Lobb, who had just over 26,000 votes. Born and raised on a farm in Glammis, in southern Bruce County, Thompson began his journalism career at the Kin- cardine Independent then worked for the Toronto Star for 17 years before taking a position as a journalism professor at Car- leton University. He took a leave from Carleton and moved back home to seek office. Since the election he has been chairing the ProjectRURAL task force for the Liberal party on outreach in rural communities. Thompson will be doing two book - signing events in Huron -Bruce. The first will be on Wednesday, June 22 Huron Superior! Memorials • MONUMENTS • FLAT MARKERS • INSCRIPTIONS Appointments in the privacy of your own home anytime MICHAEL 5. FALCONER - MANAGER RES 482-3664 • CELL 525-2281 in Kincardine during the first "open" meeting of the Huron -Bruce Federal Lib- erals riding association executive. Finchers book store will have copies on sale. In keeping with Prime Minister Jus- tin Trudeau's decision to open up the Liberal party, the Huron -Bruce associa- tion is going to open up some of its meet- ings to the public. The June 22 meeting is being held in the seniors room at the Davidson Centre recreation complex in Kincardine, begin- ning at 8 p.m. The second book signing will take place on Thursday, June 23 at 4:30 p.m. at The Village Bookshop, 24 Main St. S., in Bayfield. In his account of the race, Thompson describes every step of the campaign in detail and speaks highly of the role of volunteers. "One of the great revelations for me was that volunteers are at the very core of our democracy, people who donate their time, effort, and creativity to the political process at the local level," he writes. "Every single member of my campaign worked for free, some of them on a full-time basis for months on end. I still find that nothing short of remarkable. The fact that ordinary people can and will get involved in electoral politics in this country is the magic sauce that makes our democracywork" Thompson also recounts the grinding pace of the longest election campaign in modem history. "The pace was relentless. We would usu- ally door -knock in three-hour bursts. At times I would actually run from door to door, in part to pick up speed but often to lead by example and motivate the "Zr- _` t I� ina•r�'. WthrFl:' 1"'f'.SL.16^f „.....,r.... DIRECT TO YOU A COMPLETE LINE OF CASUAL FURNITURE TO COMPLIMENT ALL AREAS OF YOUR HOME For outdoors, patios garden areas, sunrooms WE ALSO MANUFACTURE CUSHIONS & UMBRELLAS MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:00 - 5:00 SATURDAY 10.00 - 4:00 Highway 83 E. of Grand Bend 519-238-2110 www.gocasual.ca volunteers who were helping out that day. I realized early on that it is not only impor- tant to work hard but also to be seen to be working hard. Word of mouth is a powerful force, particularly in a rural community' One of the book's editors, Prof. Christo- pher Doman of Carleton University, said Thompson's chapter provides "a valuable account of the experience of a candidate, wonderfully told." "It is informative, stirring, fair-minded, and in places quite moving;' said Doman, who teaches in Carleton's School of Jour- nalism and Communication and is the past director of the Arthur Kroeger Col- lege of Public Affairs. "I have every expec- tation that this chapter can and will be read by first-time candidates in provincial and federal elections to come. It is a splendid addition to the book:' On a final note, Dornan said the fact Thompson didn't win the election made the chapter even more compelling. "The narrative is all the more affecting because of the result: that Thompson won so much support and came so close." For more information, contact Allan Thompson at allan@allanthompson.ca, by phone at 613-799-1791 or visit www. allanthompson.ca. Wednesday, June 22, 2016 • News Record 11 Submitted Former Huron -Bruce Liberal candidate and journalist Allan Thompson has published a book about his campaign, sharing his experiences he hopes future candidates will take note of. Thompson has upcoming book signings in Kincardine and Bayfield. Notice of Annual General Meetings HURON PERTH HEALLIANCE LT F-ICCEE HEALTHCARE. 'lwMu r1klk i lin l Nk71IFI]I.Nru .11 ` iI uil, S mil tli r I lip 0:11 5rrodkYJ Gendul 1 loplrrl Supporting People Strengthening Partnerships Improving Performance Clinton Public Hospital St. Marys Memorial Hospital Seaforth Community Hospital Stratford General Hospital NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meetings of the Members of the Clinton Public Hospital, St. Marys Memorial Hospital, Seaforth Community Hospital and Stratford General Hospital will be held at the Mitchell Golf & Country Club in Mitchell, Ontario, on: Thursday June 23, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. to: 1. Receive Annual Reports of the Board of Directors, including Financial Statements, together with the Auditor's Report thereon. The Financial Statements will be available after June 15, 2016 on the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance website - www.hpha.ca. 2. Appoint Auditors. 3. Receive the Ad Hoc Nominating Committee Report. Only members of the hospital corporations shall be entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting Members of the public are welcome to attend Exceptional People, Exceptional Care!