THUNDER BAY – The lone incumbent to fall in the municipal election said he is “accepting” of the message from his former ward.
Mark Bentz, who was first elected to Northwood in 2004, was unseated by challenger Shelby Ch’ng by a more than 500 vote margin in Monday’s race.
“I think it’s clear that change was desired in the ward and I wish my successor all the best in the coming term,” he said when reached on Tuesday.
In addition to the event centre, Bentz said taxes, community safety and storm water management seemed to be the key issues in the ward.
Despite having his tenure come to an end, he remains proud of accomplishments that were achieved not only in Northwood but throughout the city.
“Initially when I was on council I was instrumental in keeping the Churchill Pool open and refurbished,” he said.
“Waterfront development is something I felt was important and I certainly took on a leadership role to bring in the funding and jobs to the community that it created.”
Bentz said his next step will be to focus on family and his teaching career.
