I Am Different – Good Different or Bad Different?

We are all different to one another, that is what makes life interesting and has led to the success of the human race. This is what woke fools mean when they say that diversity is a strength. They are correct. But not in the way they mean for they only care about unimportant differences such as skin colour and sexuality - how boring.

The exciting and valuable difference I mean is the difference in ideas and opinions. These push us into unexplored fields, discover hidden truths, and help mankind creep closer to perfection.

I am not for one moment trying to suggest that I possess such ideas and opinions for I do not. The thing I possess is a desire to go on a journey to seek out such ideas and opinions of people greater than me so we can implement them to the benefit of all.

I am different. I am aware of my many flaws and shortcomings and I try to be a better version of myself every new day. I do not compare myself to those I see around me to do better than them. I compare myself to the man I was yesterday – for this is the person I am trying to be better than.

I do not make excuses or attribute blame to others for this removes personal responsibility and control. I want to be the captain of my destiny. I do not want others steering my ship. I want the opportunity to make mistakes so I can learn valuable life lessons and pass these down to my children as knowledge.

I am not a pawn in someone else's game – I am a Knight. Not the most powerful piece on the board but still a danger that moves unconventionally and can take you by surprise.

This is the type of Mayor I wish to be. I will not be more of the same, steady as she goes, or the manager of the status quo. I will not benefit those who are expecting to be rewarded for massaging the system in their favour. I am change. I am the destructor of the old lethargic incompetence that sucks the money, life and future out of our communities.

What I bring will be seen as the wrong way by many people who benefit from the current malaise or are afraid of change and the hard work it will entail. To these people I do not apologise for change is wonderful for it brings new opportunities and vitalism. Change is the phoenix rising from the ashes.

Change also brings risk. It is far more likely that change will not bring the outcomes planned but rather unforeseen consequences. I am aware of this danger and will mitigate it through rigorous monitoring and evaluation. Dangers will be spotted far down the line and combated.

We can never eliminate risk completely. You risk death every time you cross a road. But you mitigate against it by looking both ways before you step onto the tarmac and continue to look and listen as you cross. Do not be fooled that crossing the road is risk-free because you have never been run over.

In a game that that is set up for you not to win – why play?

A lesson I learned from my sister while growing up was if you cannot win the game of Monopoly being played with your sibling, then you have nothing to lose by tipping the board into the air and playing a different game. This is my strategy – I do not play other people's games where I am guaranteed to lose.

Our current system is not working for many of us. This explains why so many people are disenfranchised, apathetic and depressed. I will change this by giving people back control of their lives and the power they need to scrutinise local government decisions. I want the people to remember that politicians are public servants, not our masters or overlords.

I will bring change. It may be good change or it may end up being bad change. The only people who can make this judgement are the people. And I am happy to hear their judgement if given a chance.

#NickBuckley4Mayor