Candidate Endorsements
Candidate endorsements can help voters, but their value depends on who is offering the endorsement, why they are offering it, and what the relationship reveals about the candidate.
I am a resident and second-time candidate, not a professional politician. I am seeking election to Council to improve Ward 4 and the City through active, accountable representation.
I am not looking to represent special interest groups unless they provide benefit to the greater community. My values aren’t for sale.
As an independent resident—not a political insider, party member, union member, developer representative, or person pursuing a grievance—I evaluate endorsements by asking what they genuinely reveal about a candidate.
I am a regular resident with an above average interest in the City of Oshawa and how it operates for the betterment of the greater community.
For 13 years, I have closely followed City Hall by reading agendas, reports, and minutes, asking questions of Council and staff, and learning how municipal processes work—even when I disagree with the decisions.
I have had many discussions over the years with citizens, Councillors, staff, candidates, and businesspeople.
I share information publicly and privately, including through the public Facebook group “Improving Oshawa and Durham Region one Idea at a Time”: https://www.facebook.com/groups/159390260898688. Anyone can read the group without joining, and clear participation standards help keep the discussion open, respectful, and transparent.
Do we make mistakes?
Of course we do, we are only human.
But we are always open to a discussion, a correction if necessary, and even second chances.
What does all of this have to do with candidate endorsements?
I am truly humbled and amazed when I meet someone in real life that says, “I follow you on Facebook”. Often, they aren’t regular participants or commentors. Often, they are just looking for real information, that they can’t get from following the City official channels or even the incumbent social media accounts.
We don’t endorse candidates on our page. Instead, we open the page for all the candidates to promote themselves, their ideals, their goals and aspirations. Because informed voters make up their own minds.
And that is what democracy is all about.
Being informed.
Having choices.
Making decisions.
Voting for who you believe will be the best person to represent you.
An endorsement from a prominent public figure may function as marketing, so voters should consider whether it reflects direct knowledge of the candidate’s character, record, and priorities.
When I see an endorsement, I ask whether the relationship shows that the endorser genuinely knows how the candidate thinks, acts, and would represent residents in municipal office.
Because this is Municipal politics.
The closest there is to the people.
It’s about the day-to-day operation of the City, for the communities better good.
It’s not about political score cards.
It’s not about paybacks or pay it forward.
I value endorsements grounded in direct knowledge of a candidate’s character, record, and priorities. If you would like to provide an endorsement for my campaign, please contact me so we can discuss the statement and the personal information you are comfortable sharing publicly.
My campaign depends on public trust and engagement. Without the name recognition or resources of an incumbent, I rely on my record of community involvement, my word, and my commitment to represent the people of Ward 4.
I represent YOU the people, and will continue to do that.
Jeff Davis
Candidate for Regional and City Councillor, Ward 4
September 8, 2026
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