Matthew O’Reilly, Brunswick Heads
Last week I was asked two questions by The Echo via email, ‘Have you decided to run for 2020? If so, will it be on a Greens ticket?’ I chose to give an honest answer. I had no idea that The Echo would run a story about it.
I received a lot of flak in the following days. First from independent voters who want me to run as an independent. Then from Greens voters who want me thrown out of the Greens for suggesting I would run as an independent.
Bernie Sanders is an independent Senator who caucuses with the Democrats and is seeking their nomination for president. I don’t think anyone will seriously be saying he is no longer an independent if he wins the nomination. He has proven with his words and deeds that he is his own person.
Cleva is a nickname used by my close friends and family. It is meant in a sarcastic and tongue-in-cheek way that pokes fun at me. I have asked The Echo not to use my nickname in relation to my role with community groups or community activism, as I do not feel comfortable with it being used out of context, as it may give the false impression that I am egotistical.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
