Milton, Ont. mayoral candidates Gord Krantz and Zainab Azim sat collectively at a sales space in Troy’s diner Wednesday, sipping on milkshakes — one chocolate and one strawberry.
The pair are operating in opposition to one another within the upcoming municipal election, however are dedicated to making sure they run clear campaigns.
To take action, they teamed as much as shoot a video encouraging folks to maintain politics civil.
“Whereas I like strawberry milkshakes,” mentioned Azim in a social media video.
“I like chocolate,” replied Krantz.
“We each agree that Troy’s has the very best milkshakes on the town.”
That Instagram submit by Azim gained a whole bunch of hundreds of views from around the globe.
“Issues have been taking place in [Milton] that I don’t suppose are reflective of who we’re,” mentioned Azim. “Indicators have been being damaged down, issues have been taking place on-line that we all know just isn’t who we’re as Miltonians. So, I went to Gord’s home and I confirmed him an instance video and why don’t we present individuals who we’re as Miltonians and attempt to truly change the dialog.”
Krantz — Canada’s longest-serving mayor — was fast to agree.
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“I’ve completed little or no, if any, mudslinging,” he mentioned. “That was by no means in my vocabulary with regards to politics. So, I feel that’s what we tried to zero in on. We are able to comply with disagree.”
Milton’s present mayor, 89-year-old Krantz has held the place since 1980 — and was a councillor for 15 years earlier than then.
Raised in Milton, 24-year-old Azim grew up with Krantz as mayor for her whole life.
The 2 might have differing views on how one can advance the municipality, however she says their widespread floor is a shared worth in treating folks with dignity.
“We are able to disagree on our concepts, however personally we truly fairly like one another,” Azim mentioned.
“Collectively — regardless of our age or our variations — we’re in a position to mannequin management for folks. As a result of, I do suppose what’s taking place down South provides folks permission to behave a sure method and really feel comfy doing sure issues. However, what we have been in a position to present is that there’s a distinct method additionally of doing politics.”
For Krantz, the message is: we’re all on this collectively.
Mayoral candidates Gord Krantz (left) and Zainab Azim (proper) are encouraging respect and civility whereas campaigning in Milton’s 2026 municipal election.
Megan King / International Information
“Democracy is so fragile as it’s…let’s be sort and respect each other,” he mentioned.
“As Miltonians we all the time work collectively. We are able to disagree with out degrading each other.”
They’re calling on candidates and constituents alike to rise above.
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