An Ode to the Women Who Dare to Lead 💜

To every woman who put her name forward,
Who stood her ground and faced the crowd,
Who dared to speak when silence was easier,
And stood for something bigger, something prouder.

To the women who knocked on doors,
Who answered questions, challenged the norm,
Who weathered criticism, mysogny and doubt,
And kept showing up, refusing to bow out.

Politics isn't always kind to women.
It tests our patience, our courage, our skin.
It asks us to prove what others take for granted,
To defend our voices when they should be heard, not questioned.

So, to every female candidate in Niagara Falls (BC & Ontario),
Regardless of party, platform or campaign signs,
I wish you success, strength and peace of mind.
May your hard work matter, may your voices ring true,
And may the next chapter bring good things to you.

Because we can disagree and still show respect.
We can compete without wishing each other regret.
We can stand on different sides of an issue or debate,
And still recognize the courage it takes to participate.

And then there's Lori Lococo for Niagara Falls Mayor. ❤️

Some people enter your life through politics,
But become so much more than a name on a ballot.

I first met Lori in 2017 at a *Women in Politics* event. I had no idea then just how much that meeting would mean to me, or that it would grow into a friendship I would treasure for years to come.

Lori has been a mentor, a supporter, a sounding board and a source of encouragement throughout my own political journey. She has encouraged me to step forward, to keep going when things didn't go as planned, and to believe that one unsuccessful attempt doesn't define what comes next.

But more than the mentorship, more than the political advice, and more than the shared experience of putting ourselves out there in the world of municipal politics, I'm most grateful for her friendship.

Politics can be a strange place to build genuine relationships. There are campaigns, competing opinions, public scrutiny and plenty of moments when you need someone who understands what you're going through without needing an explanation.

I'm grateful that our paths crossed, that our friendship has endured, and that behind all the politics, we've found something real (even if you haven't ever seen the Wizard of Oz!!! 😀 )

Lori, thank you for the encouragement, the honesty, the lessons and the laughs. Most of all, thank you for being my friend since that day in 2017. That is something no election result could ever change.

To all the women who ran, who are running, who supported another woman along the way, and who are still considering taking that leap:

I see you. I respect you. And I wish you all the very best.

May we make room for more women at the table, more respect in the process, and more friendships that last long after the campaign signs come down.

Because in the end, the best thing we can take away from politics isn't always a seat at the council table.

Sometimes, it's the people we meet along the way. 💜

For anyone that couldn’t make it to the meet & greet at Columbus Hall.
Here is the live feed.

I recently saw a social media post - promoting this "future council" of Niagara Falls- I did not add or alter names or photos the original poster had determined this "council"---but added my own thoughts.......

💸 Are you able to fund THEIR big dreams? Because I know a lot of residents are tired of funding them.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room.....the taxpayers’ wallets!!!

We have incumbents who have already overseen spending decisions and tax increases, asking us to trust them with another four years. Then we have new faces promising big ideas, backed by deep pockets and wealthy campaign donors.

But here’s the question nobody should be afraid to ask - & I am willing to ask:

WHO PAYS FOR ALL THESE BIG DREAMS?

Because it’s not the outside campaign donors who get the property tax bill. It’s not the people with loaded pockets who have to choose between paying the bills and putting food on the table. It’s YOU. It’s ME. It’s the families, seniors, homeowners and small businesses trying to keep up with the cost of living.

And no, I’m not against ambition. I’m against treating the taxpayers’ pockets like an endless ATM.

Niagara Falls needs a Council that understands the difference between WANTING something and being able to AFFORD it. One that asks the hard questions, scrutinizes spending, prioritizes necessities and stops assuming taxpayers will simply absorb the cost of every shiny new idea.

As for me? I’m not running with a mountain of campaign cash or a lineup of wealthy friends funding my political ambitions. I’m running on my skills, my experience, my research and a commitment to making every taxpayer dollar count.

Because accountability isn’t about how much money you can raise. It’s about how responsibly you spend OTHER PEOPLE’S money.

🗳️ Niagara Falls, before you vote, ask yourself: Can you afford another four years of big spending and bigger tax bills? Or is it time for a different approach?

#Hartford4NFCouncil #NiagaraFalls #TaxpayerAccountability #YourMoneyYourSay