A Rather Honed Sense Of "Comic" Timing!

R. J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Ward G YEG Public School Board Trustee Byelection Candidate, Edmonton, Alberta

September XXVIIth, MMXV

Hon. Dave Eggen, B. Ed., MLA, Minister of Education, New Democratic, Edmonton-Calder

Dear Dave:

On a campaign break with my nephews & family at the 2015 Edmonton Comic Book & Exposition yesterday, I wound up actually campaigning. It was really strange as at 3 different intervals I ran into residents of Ward G that I had met at the Old Strathcona Farmers Market, Bonnie Doon Mall, as well as Capilano Mall who were there with their families. They told me that there are several reasons why they bring their kids there. It should be noted we've discussed this topic at Executive Dissertations before but just focusing on comics themselves.

I. Comic books & art get students interested in both reading & storylines, as well as the creation of art themselves. Plus, the artisans & writers were on hand to talk to families themselves yesterday at the show.

II. Actors or "Cosplayers" dressed up as comic book heroes &/or villians (as well as their own creations) teach students that there are forces of both good & evil in both the comic world & in real life & that they should try as best as they can to choose the right path. It also encourages students who are interested in costume & fashion design as a career to make their own costumes & have even more fun by helping their friends make theirs as part of a collaboration!

III. Special guests & actors who are in the comic industry such as the creator of Marvel Comics (TM) character Spiderman (R) Stan Lee (who I got to meet, shake hands, & have my picture with yesterday, a great honour) bring a positive message to students & perhaps any troubled youth at these conventions that having heroes is okay & that fighting for what is right & having a sense of justice & helping those in trouble is okay. As a result, wanting to imitate their comic book heroes is a healthy outlet for them to show that they want to be good citizens of society once they finish their educational endeavours!

"Flame On",

R. J.

Source: Www.EdmontonExpo.Com & Detective Comics (TM) & Marvel Comics Limited (TM) & Marvel Entertainment Group Limited (TM) & Hasbro (TM) & Sony Pictures Studios Incorporated (TM) & Warners Brothers Pictures (TM) & The Walt Disney Corporation (TM) & Walt Disney Studios (TM) & Myself.