"Malibu Ken"
It wasn't just the tan that struck me when I sat down with NDP Candidate Ken St. George yesterday. This perfect tan seemed like a metaphor for Ken's personality. He makes conversation seemingly effortless and has perfect answers that are authentic. It was a little annoying and made me determined to try and come up with a question that would be difficult to answer. I couldn't do it. He is currently running to become the MP for Charleswood/St.James/Assiniboia/Headingley.
This is the result of a life that has included challenges and still includes challenges, but every challenge presents as a learning opportunity. His optimism is refreshing for someone who works in the trenches in our health care system. It is easy to get jaded and cynical but that hasn't happened to Ken. His official political path happened a year ago when he ran for City Council. He found his personal beliefs aligned with the NDP and he found himself having the support of this party on a federal and provincial level. He had thoughtful objectives of what he could accomplish both provincially and federally. With both elections occurring relatively back to back, he had to make a decision of which election he should enter. He chose federal as his nomination occurred first.
His unofficial political path began a few years ago when he saw a need in our City and he thought he might have some influence in creating an opportunity to help many people who needed a hand up. He was idealistic when he started on the path and quickly became a pragmatist. He realized one of his strengths is his engagement skills. He listens to people and values all of his connections and recognizes the importance of maintaining those connections. But, here's the interesting thing. The man has literally no ego. He is not about getting credit for his efforts, he truly is about getting results for people who need it. He is also followed in his father's example. His father has been a transit driver for 45 years and still going strong. You don't succeed as a transit driver for that long without loving what you do and doing it right. You can't have success unless you give all people dignity and respect. Ken has also learned that the more dignity you give me, the more you elevate your own dignity.
Of course, he hopes to become an MP, but he is even more excited about Jagmeet Singh becoming Leader of the Opposition. He is inspired by the party's three pronged platform of the three H's; Housing, Health, and Habitat. Priorities Ken believes that should be the priorities of all Canadians. Also, Ken is unbelievably candid without any filter. He told me the secret nickname that the candidates have for their leader. Since he didn't tell me this was off the record, I am going ahead and share this secret nickname. It is "JS". That is just a little bit of a warning to the NDP party. You don't be able to contain this guy. He is going to say what he thinks without a filter. Happily for the party, he is very thoughtful.
One of the more innovative ideas he has is to review transfer payments and rather than just using population as the primary criteria, he thinks transfer payments need be "weighed" more heavily for people who might need use more services such as Seniors and the Indigenous.
He also recognizes that for him to fulfill his most important role in life right now, he needs to continue to grow personally. The most important role right now to be a grandpa and he continues to be marvelled at how a grandchild enhances your life for the better. It also is one of the strongest motivator that you can get. It is because of his grand-daughter that he just wants more. More searching for common ground. He is mostly motivated to just more out of our society so that her life will have more.
Yeah, he will be an outstanding candidate in this election and worth considering. Just don't pay much attention to that perfect golden tan. It might annoy you.
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