I’m William Joslin, my friends call me Bill.
I have lived in North Simcoe all of my life. From Washago to Uhthoff to Orillia to Waubaushene. I’m a second generation railroader, 35 years in, and a third generation hunter. My family has been here for over 4 generations.
My parents and my grandparents imparted wisdom that stuck. Tell the truth. Work hard. A handshake means something, and you’re only as good as your word. Growing up on a farm helped to instill these values even more deeply. Every day, I make sure that I’m trying to live up to those words. Because……words have meaning!
It’s become fairly apparent that the “same old same” isn’t cutting it. Whether it’s a Liberal government, Conservative or some mashup of two parties to retain the upper hand. Be it federally or provincially, the job isn’t getting done. This is why I chose to be a candidate in the North Simcoe riding for this upcoming election. Not to win an election, but to create awareness. To provoke conversation and questions.
Progress and change will happen, must happen. But not to the detriment of those who choose to live simply. To live as generations have for decades. Farming needs to be prioritized. This is what feeds the population, but it is far from an attractive means of income or living, and that must be addressed. Grassroots methods are re-emerging. Small, local co-ops, backyard chicken coops, large individual produce gardens. These initiatives, along with entrepreneurial businesses that contribute to our communities, should be encouraged.
Constituents are often only voting for what they believe to be the lesser evil. What if, slowly, we were to realize that breaking away from that which has been stagnant for decades could afford us the voice we have missing for so long!?!?
I feel the core ideals of the Ontario Libertarian Party are in line with my own and might be yours as well. In their statement of principles, you will read; Individuals are inherently free to make choices for themselves and must accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make.
This is something I’ve been saying for years because it was taught to me by my father and grandfather. Until the last provincial election I had never heard of the Ontario Libertarian Party but thanks to my disappointment in what I believed to be the only options, I started researching and have not only found a populace of like-minded people but a desire to share my newfound knowledge. And share I will, but I find it disheartening that the electoral system is so skewed. It should be a level playing field, not an opportunity for the show ponies with the most government, or more correctly, taxpayer money to parade around.
All I ask is that before February 27 people take some time to become more informed about the options available to them. Then, when the time comes, vote with a true heart. Not because it’s how your family has always voted. Or because it won’t really make any difference. Or because you don’t want to split votes. People fought and died for our freedom of choice. Use yours.
