With Blackberry in one hand, an iPad in the other, a landline phone tucked under the chin and a television tuned in to the Toronto race, we were able to discern quickly, once results started to come in, that change was the hallmark of this election.
It would not be until the next day that the extent of change and the number of potential unintended consequences of this change hit home.
Despite an energetic campaign from former mayor Brad Whitcombe, current mayor Dennis Lever had a decisive win in Puslinch. Joining his council is Matthew Bulmer, a very popular councillor who was bounced from council in the sweep of the last election.
In Erin, Rod Finnie was also overlooked in favour of political newcomer Allan Alls. The new council there includes Jeff Duncan, who sat on a council a number of years ago. Erin suffered greatly this past term under a council that was dysfunctional in a practical sense since its inception. Alls will need good support to right a ship that suffers from incredible mistrust issues.
Guelph-Eramosa has two new faces, although both are well known and regarded as long-standing members of the community: Mark Bouwmeester and Louise Marshall. Chris White, current mayor and warden, handily dismissed John Scott’s bid.
Wellington North councillor Andy Lennox had a convincing win over current mayor Ray Tout. Lennox was the architect of much of the effort to get Wellington North finances in shape. A blend of new faces and experienced councillors should help get the township off to a good start.
Minto mayor George Bridge was returned to office in a convincing fashion. A good blend of new and experienced councillors should work well there together.
Mapleton will be a little while settling into its routine. New mayor Neil Driscoll has one term under his belt, and there is just one councillor with local government experience.
Centre Wellington saw changes few believed were possible. Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj was felled by one- term candidate Kelly Linton, who challenged her for mayor. Long-time councillor Walt Visser was replaced by local businessman Steven Kitras. The acclamation in Centre Welling ton of three candidates means there will be consistency on council; however, we cannot help but wonder if this led to problems for incumbents facing a challenge. With fewer options to choose from, voter desire for change may have been more amplified for the mayoral race. There is little question that the new Fergus library played a role in this particular election, and the ordinarily staid electorate here found a way to express that concern.
County council seats drew a number of changes as well, none as unexpected as the loss of John Green to a political newcomer. The three-way race in Erin for that county seat resulted in two current politicians being soundly trounced by Pierre Brianceau, a former school board trustee.
Experience and track records were not prerequisites for election this time; from what we see across the county a political pedigree may have actually been a detriment. One interesting note is that now county council, historically considered an old boys club, has but one female representative – Lynda White, who also now has the distinction of being the longest serving county councillor still in office.
As the results of the election settle in and current councils bid goodbye, it will be up to the newcomers to get up to speed and start their four-year journey.
Voters should not believe their job is over; it too is just beginning, where vigilance and constant feedback help guide council choices.
We again thank all the candidates for their time by congratulating those who won and commiserating with those who lost. We are reminded of some sage wisdom from the old Duke of Wellington himself.
“I always say that, next to a battle lost, the greatest misery is a battle gained.”
Much work lies ahead
