How I Ran This Campaign — No Shortcuts, No Endorsements, No Favours, Just Service

When I decided to run for Edmonton City Council, I made a commitment to do it the way I thought was right. To run with integrity, transparency, and respect for the people I want to serve.

From the beginning, I promised myself I wouldn’t cut corners. Politics can tempt you to take the easy route - to chase endorsements, align with powerful groups, or lean on party machines. But that’s not me, and that’s not what this city needs.

I didn’t seek endorsements because I didn’t want to be influenced by people or groups with power or special interests. I don’t have NDP MLAs pulling strings for me, or the UCP funding my campaign. I’ve chosen to run as an independent because I believe deeply in municipal democracy, in local voices, not party lines or big third party advertisers.

Could I have taken the easy way? Sure. I could’ve spent my weekends at big community events, shaking hands and taking photos. But I chose a different path. I chose to meet people where they’re at. For example, at their doors, in their driveways, on their front steps - having real conversations about what’s working and what’s not. No tokenism. Just time, listening, and genuine connection.

I spent the first two months of my campaign knocking doors, listening, and learning. What I heard from residents shaped my entire platform. Every policy priority, every focus area came from those one-on-one conversations. That’s how I believe leadership should work - grounded in people, not politics.

Even my campaign signs reflect that commitment. Every lawn sign you see with my name on it is on the property of someone who can actually vote. They’re not just there to create the illusion of support. My signs are there because of real conversations with real residents who believe in this vision for Edmonton.

Being a City Councillor is a tough job. It requires judgment, honesty, and courage. And I’ve tried to show those qualities in how I’ve run this campaign. I don’t believe in doing things just because they’re easy. I believe in doing them because they’re right.

Integrity matters. We all say we want honest, genuine, and trustworthy leadership and I’ve tried to live that through this campaign. The same integrity, independence, and respect that guided me these past months will guide me every single day as your next City Councillor. Because how you run says everything about how you’ll serve.

Take care,

Rupesh Patel

Candidate for Edmonton City Council – Ward pihêsiwin

📢 If you believe integrity still matters in politics, please share this blog and vote for me on October 20th.