June has gone by in a flash for me. I got the opportunity to work everyday at Nottawa Elementary School as an EA (Educational Assistant). It was the best experience I’ve had in the years I’ve worked for the SCDSB, but I have to admit that it left me with little extra time most days, so I didn’t post much more than a Facebook updates.
Much has happened on the local political scene in June, and I want to focus on all of the people who have declared their candidacy, and the type of choices we will have come election time….less than 4 months from today.
There are so many scenarios, that the voters of Collingwood can choose from when they cast their votes. Here are 3 fairly obvious scenarios (or at least they are obvious to me.)
Scenario #1: The residents of Collingwood are happy with the way things have gone this term.
In this scenario, the voters have a selection of incumbents who have already declared; Sandra Cooper, Rick Lloyd, Kevin Lloyd, Ian Chadwick, Dale West and Sandy Cunningham.
Mike Edwards has yet to declare, and neither has Keith Hull. Joe Gardhouse is running for Mayor. Regardless of who fills the remaining 3 council seats, residents can vote in the incumbents who have already declared, and will get another term similar to the one that is coming to an end.
Scenario #2: The residents of Collingwood want a change, but one that has the comfort of familiarity.
In this scenario, the role of Deputy Mayor does not have a candidate yet. Chris Carrier and Joe Gardhouse are running for Mayor, and both are familiar to most residents of Collingwood.
Kathy Jeffrey and Deb Doherty have previously served on council, so many voters already know what they bring to the table.
Variables could be Tim Fryer and Gail Michalenko, who have no council experience, but who have both dealt extensively with the municipality during their careers.
Scenario #3: The residents of Collingwood want a completely new council, with no ties to the past.
In this scenario, the role of Mayor does not have a candidate yet. Brian Saunderson is running for Deputy Mayor, and fits the bill.
Council candidates Cam Ecclestone, Rick Crouch, Bob Madigan and myself, would fall into this category.
Arguments could be made, that each of us could be justified in a second, or even a third scenario as I’ve described.
These scenarios are simply ones that seem obvious to me. there are many more, and hopefully we can have a number of conversations about this over the next 4 months. In fact, by the time you read this, others may have declared their candidacy.
Back in January, I posted a poll asking the question,
“What do you want to see, in a candidate for the next Collingwood Town Council?”
Here are the survey results. (remember that they are over 6 months old). Perhaps they will offer you some insights.
1. Is it important to you, how long a candidate has lived in Collingwood?
56.25% said No
37.50% said Yes
6.25% were undecided
2. Is it important to you, if a candidate has previously volunteered in local community groups?
60% said Yes
33.85% said No
6.15% were undecided
3. Is it important to you who, “endorses” a candidate?
52.31% said No
43.08% said Yes
4.62% were undecided
4. Is it important to you, to be able to follow a candidate on Social Media? (Facebook, Twitter..)
66.15% said Yes
24.62% said No
9.23% were undecided
5. Is it important to you, the level of education a candidate has achieved?
45.31% said No
43.75% said Yes
10.94% were undecided
6. Is it important to you, whether a candidate has prior political experience?
70.97% said No
24.19% said Yes
4.84% were undecided
7. Is it important to you, if a candidate is willing to take part in all available election debates?
93.85% said Yes
3.08% said No
3.08% were undecided
8. Is it important to you, to have an opportunity to meet and speak with a candidate, before you vote for them?
83.87% said Yes
9.68% said No
6.45% were undecided
9. Does it mean anything to you, when a candidate declares they are running? (ASAP, at the last minute, anytime in between)
71.88% said No
20.31% said Yes
7.81% were undecided
10. Is it important to you, whether a candidate has made their voice heard, regarding the events of the past year and a half? (Recreation facilities, CBC report, OPP investigation, ect)
57.81% said Yes
35.94% said No
6.25% were undecided
To get in the spirit of summer, here is a new poll…
enough is enough 