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Some fascinating races
?In the days leading up to the 2006 municipal election in Uxbridge, only one candidate threw his hat in the ring to complicate things. This time around, as you’ll read in our cover story, quite a few people emerged over the last week, and made some of the contests quite a bit more interesting. So with the list of nominees now complete, let’s take a quick look at each race.
At first glance, you would guess that a woman who was mayor for more than 20 years would have a large advantage over a man who’s only been there for four. But Bob Shepherd surprised a lot of people last time, and he may do so again. The addition of George Apostolou complicates the picture; he may be a dark horse to win, but from which of the other candidates will he draw his votes?
For regional councillor, each of the three candidates has very definable constituencies. It may very well come down to whichever does the most work on the doorstep, and which performs best in the two all-candidate forums in which they’ll be participating.
Ward 1 is the battle of the Bevs, a long-time and highly visible incumbent versus the popular chair of the BIA. This one could be very close.
In Ward 2, the men who finished behind Ted Eng last time are toe-to-toe this time. Pat Molloy’s been very busy the last four years, but Mr. Beach has been in the ward longer, and that counts for a lot. Again, it could come down to the word at the door.
Just as in 2006, no one from Leaskdale or Udora has stepped forward to contest Ward 3; it’s like they’re waiting for Howie to make a comeback. In the meantime, incumbent Pat Mikuse has been highly visible at places like the CNE and Canada Day. Her opponents, though, seem determined to run hard. It could be a close three-way race.
The ages of the five candidates in Ward 4 range from senior citizen to just out of university; ironically, young Jacob Mantle is the only one with political experience. But all five candidates seem to be hitting the bricks hard. This one’s definitely up for grabs; certainly, no one is likely to score as big a win as Jack Ballinger did in 2006.
Over in Ward 5, three of the four candidates only threw their hats in the ring in the last week; that would seem to give incumbent Gord Highet an advantage. But two of the other candidates are well known in the area, and the third appears prepared to work hard. So the overall results might hold some surprises.
A very weird series of events saw the Separate School race ultimately become no race at all, which means long-time trustee Kathy LeFort doesn’t even have to campaign this time. Lucky for her, not so much for you. On the public side, Uxbridge teacher Bruce Brandon would seem to have the advantage here, and his opponents may split the Brock vote enough for him to slide in, even over a strong incumbent like Joe Allin.
In sum, you the voter will have some interesting choices to make, no matter where you live. To help you make up your mind, we remind you of the following all-candidates forums: Mon., Sept. 27 Ward 4 & 5 Candidates - Seniors Centre
Wed., Sept. 29 Ward 2, Mayor & Regional Councillor - Zephyr Hall
Mon., Sept. 4 Ward 1 & 3 Candidates - Location TBA
Wed., Sept. 6 Mayor & Regional Councillor - Arena Community Centre
Enjoy the campaign, and above all, make sure you vote!
