3 replies to this topic

[NotHudsonMack]

As a younger person myself, I agree that we could use some younger representation on city council. I hope the mods are okay with me starting this thread, but I think it warrants a healthy discussion! I am putting on my serious analytical hat on to type this.

 

The “youth field” ranges from Jonathan Carroll (21) to Jeremy Loveday (32)

 

I see 3 levels of candidates in this field with level 1 being credible candidates with organization behind them and a shot at council, and level 3 being fringe candidates.

 

Level 1

- Jeremy Loveday

- Andrew Reeve

 

Level 2

- Ian Hoar

 

Level 3

- Ryan Moen

- Jonathan Carroll

 

The level 1 candidates both seem well-liked and aside from the votes simply for younger voices on council, there won't be much vote crossover, since Loveday is left-wing and Reeve is center right. Loveday has strong ties to the Provincial NDP and Reeve has strong ties to the Federal Liberals. Loveday seems to be in with the Dean Team from all the pictures i've seen of him at their events but also has a good relationship with Lisa Helps' campaign judging from their Twitter interactions. Reeve also seems to get along very well with Lisa and clearly has the support of Stephen Andrew, who mentioned Reeve in his announcement speech yesterday and then again later on CFAX, as well as support from Ida Chong. Must be nice to have so much support from the big players, but supporting a younger candidate who has a head on his shoulders and is respected politically isn't exactly a controversial or risky strategy for any of the mayoral candidates. It will play well for them: Oh look at me, supporting the future! Loveday and Reeve also know how to campaign and judging from their social media presence, are very good at engaging with the public and are both out knocking on doors regularly. I think both of them have a fair shot at getting elected.

 

Ian Hoar has some good ideas but seems to lack any organization behind him. Some of the other candidates and Lisa Helps tweet about him a lot but aside from that I don't see much support. Votes in favour of getting younger councillors will go to Loveday and Reeve as they have a decent shot. Hoar will get some votes from the tech sector that others won't, but it will not be enough to get him across the finish line.

 

Ryan Moen has an almost laughably simple platform of just 6 vague bullet points. His website is pretty, but he has no credibility, no name recognition, and no organization behind him. 

 

Jonathan Carroll filed his papers with hours to go before the deadline but is appears that he decided to run in late September according to his Twitter. He is the youngest candidate at the age of 21, and I think the only candidate who is still a student. Not much of an online presence with only 6 tweets, but he does seem to have at least put more thought into a platform than Moen. Doesn't appear to have any organization behind him but has managed 99 likes on his Facebook page. Possibly running to get name recognition for a future campaign? No chance at winning, but I'm curious in a hypothetical situation if he were to win would that make him Victoria's youngest ever city councillor? 

[John M.]

Johnathan Carroll does have a very specific platform

[J_Loveday]

I'm excited to see so many young people running. I hope that by having a number of credible young candidates we can help drive the under 35s to vote in higher numbers.

 

Jeffrey Olafson is another young candidate (early 20s).  

 

I think Ian Hoar is 33. Just beating me out as the oldest of the young candidates mentioned. 

[NotHudsonMack]

Totally agree Jeremy. Thanks for noting Jeffrey Olafson, there is hardly any info about him out there so I did not know to add him.

 

Was surprised that many of the under 35 candidates did not attend the debate last night? I wanted a chance to meet Ian Hoar and Ryan Moen.

 

Loveday, Reeve, and Carroll all spoke very well! Good work guys.