Kory Earle withdraws name from the race for councillor
Posted Mar 4, 2010 By Tara Gesner
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Tweet ThisEMC News - The 2010 municipal election is still months away, however, People First of Lanark County (PFoLC) president Kory Earle is withdrawing his name from consideration for appointment as councillor of Carleton Place.
"Today is very emotional for me because I was looking forward to running in the upcoming election," said Earle, who was visibly upset. "However, I have decided to withdraw my name."
Earle explained his reasons on Wednesday, Feb. 24, in front of a small gathering of friends and family at the PFoLC office in Carleton Place.
"Last October, I was elected president of People First of Ontario and I have an obligation to fulfill for the next two years," he said. "At this point, we are doing much advocacy in Ontario and it would be unfair to leave them hanging. In general, People First is something that I am very passionate about."
Earle, who has not spoken publicly about his twin brother - Kyle Earle, said that he was diagnosed with schizophrenia about five years ago but was recently hospitalized on a part-time basis.
"I care deeply for him, I am his support," said Earle. "If I do this I will not be able to give to him all that I can."
Moreover, Earle feels he would be letting the residents of Carleton Place down if he were not able to commit 100 per cent to the job.
"I encourage all citizens of Carleton Place to attend the all-candidates meeting in the coming months, and make sure you ask tough questions," he said. "You want to elect someone who will do the job right and represent you proudly."
Earle doesn't rule out running for council in the future, since he may be in a better position in four years.
THANK YOU
"I want to thank the citizens of Carleton Place for their positive comments - whether it was through the Internet, by way of the telephone or out on the street," he said. I can't stress enough the importance of their support and encouragement. It's something I will always treasure."
Earle said that he owes a big thank you to the entire People First family, and to PFoLC vice president Joan Morin and office administrator Kathy Seguin for their true friendship and valued support.
"I also want to thank my mother (Cindy Showers) for her love, as well as my friends in Kincardine," he added.
"I know this was a very hard decision for him to make," said Morin.
She believes Earle would have done a fine job - a strong voice for seniors, youth and people with disabilities.
In spite of this, Morin is happy to have Earle remain at the helm of PFoLC - an organization that advocates for people with intellectual disabilities.
"This job is made for him, and there's only one Kory," said Morin. "He has a strong voice, he's very passionate. We get our strength from him."
"He's not just a voice, he follows through," said Showers. "His heart is with People First."
On Jan. 4, the 24-year-old Carleton Place resident was the first person to register for the 2010 race.
In addition to holding the titles of president PFoLC and president People First of Ontario, Earle is the Youth Representative for People First of Canada.
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