To my supporters, my donors, my friends,
Thank you. Were it not for the opportunities you have provided me through the years to get involved and take leadership roles in the community, I would never have believed I could run for office in the first place.
We ran a positive campaign with a strong vision for tomorrow. I stayed true to my values, championing policies that disrupted the status quo and remained an independent voice in a world of party politics. We littered the City with over 350 campaign signs, tripled the canvassing efforts compared to last time, and even organized a outreach event to educators. There was nothing more we could have done.
Disappointingly, our vote remained consistent with the 2008 election. I made a personal commitment prior to beginning that if I did not win, I would move on to new ventures. I have found it incredibly difficult these past three years to build a life and bright future, all the while keeping the political door slightly ajar. With this result, I must close that door for the foreseeable future. By doing so, I can move on fully with my life and pursue worldchanging goals through different methods.
I was always a reluctant politician. Indeed, I strongly dislike public speaking, the negative attacks, and the mind games behind closed doors. I was driven to run because I believed I offered a better alternative and a stronger vision than the other candidates. For the second time, the majority of voters in Surrey have opted for the norm.
In many regards, I feel as though the result is tied strongly to generational change. Perhaps when the Boomers retire, and the Millennials take over, the efforts of young people to affect change won’t be so futile.
Thank you again,
Paul Hillsdon