To the editor:
It appears from the voting numbers that Thunder Bay was indeed wanting change on most counts, but they faced too many choices in candidates also eager for change.
In Red River (2,988 votes incumbent versus 3,716 challengers), McIntyre (2,079 I vs. 3,697 C) and Northwood (2,305 I vs. 3,182 C) wards, the challengers collectively received far more votes than the incumbent. The pattern continued at large, with the four incumbents receiving less votes than the challengers ( 61,848 I vs. 69,613 C). The incumbents were beneficiaries of the usual vote based on name recognition only, while the challengers were victims of a split vote.
It is impressive to note previously unknown candidate David Polhill came within 143 votes of unseating Mark Bentz in Northwood. Mr. Bentz is chair of the waterfront development committee, which continues to favour private residential within Marina Park, without the previously claimed benefit of ground floor commercial opportunities, which would make the units more palatable in the park.
The recent city tender approval to pay more than $1.1M in borrowed and ISF funds to remediate land we are selling to the developer for half that amount, as well as public concern over cost overruns and lack of public accountability could be a factor.
Certainly, the public spoke loud and clear in their choice for a new mayor. Many were torn over the choice between the eager, early leader Keith Hobbs, the experienced Pullia and the fresh and innovative ideas of Jeff Irwin.
All challenging candidates are to be commended for their effort to bring about change on council. Hopefully, they will continue to speak up on city issues, and work towards positive change in our city. And hopefully our voices will be heard.
Patty Bates,
Thunder Bay
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