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Candidate ‘disappointed’ in vote results

Nov 1, 2016 | 2:00 PM

In an election there are winners and losers and much like in any competition there are people unsatisfied with the outcome. The North Battleford civic election was no different.

After the polls closed and the numbers were in, candidate Wayne Ray did not make the top six. He took to social media to vent.

Ray said he was disappointed the voters essentially chose the same council instead of candidates who had “new ideas” on how to tackle crime. Three of the four incumbents were re-elected.

Ray confirmed he made the post and agreed to elaborate on the Facebook comment.

“In reality I am disappointed,” Ray said. “The [incumbents] talked about crime as well but they never put out any new ideas other than the status quo. These issues that will be brought forward will be the same for the next four years, at least thats what it appears. That is where I am disappointed the most.”

Ray said he will be watching council closely to see if there will be any new ideas regarding crime. Ray wanted to emphasize he does have faith in the council and thought they could do a great job.

Included in his post, Ray said the lack of a public forum greatly affected the election’s outcome.

“I really believe a public forum, whether there is a mayoral race or not, should be held and hosted by the city,” Ray said. “I know the Chamber of Commerce usually does it but they decided not to this year. I do not blame them. It shouldn’t be their responsibility. The City of North Battleford should budget for it.”

According to acclaimed Mayor Ryan Bater, the city would never host a forum.

“There isn’t a government in the world I am aware of that would host a forum for candidates trying to be elected into that government,” Bater said. “Typically forums are held by special interest or lobby groups.”

As for Ray’s claim a lack of a forum greatly affected the election, Bater said all the candidates were working with the same disadvantage. He added it was up to the candidates to get out into the city and make sure registered voters knew their platforms.

Bater added although crime is part of governing a city, it isn’t the only part. He said he has confidence in the new council and has already spoken with each member. According to the future mayor he and council have already started laying out a schedule for the first couple of months.

Bater and the rest of council will be sworn in on Nov. 7. The first official meeting will be held on Nov. 14 at city hall.

The Facebook comment received a range of replies from people supporting Ray to calling him a sore loser. The comment has since been taken down.

 

Greg Higgins is battlefordsNOW’s city municipal affairs and health reporter. He can be reached at ghiggins@jpbg.ca or tweet him @realgreghiggins.