By Walter Byj
October 28, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
I did make a mistake by saying that 80% did not vote for Blair. It should have read 70%.
29% did vote for Blair.
Walter
So who is the winner in an election that has 10 candidates? By our current rules, the candidate who gets the most votes wins. No argument. In ward 6, Blair Lancaster got the most votes, 2087 which was 445 more than the next candidate, Angelo Bentivegna. So clearly, she was the candidate that won.
But what about the electorate, did they win? The 2,087 votes that Lancaster received represented 29.8% of all votes cast. This meant that 70% of those who voted did not want Blair Lancaster to represent them at council. In fact taking it a step further of the 22,579 voters eligible in ward 6, only 9.2% voted for Blair. Now perhaps it is unfair to include non voters in this review, but wasn’t ward 6 ripe for change? Or did the pundits get it wrong?
With a turnout of 30.9%, many in the ward appear to be pleased with their current Councillor and decided not to vote. But that does not discount the fact that of those who voted, 70% wanted change.
So how can Councillor Lancaster make the electorate winners also?
Well how about a town hall meeting where the electorate can voice their opinions. Lancaster is guaranteed the job for the next 4 years so why not reach out to the community and learn how to serve them better. Lancaster doesn’t have to take this route, but it would be the kind of good gesture that would allow those who did not vote for her feel they are still being represented
Perhaps specific committees could be formed within the riding that could assist in developing solutions to some of the problems? Ward 6 is a large geographical area with issues unique to select different parts of the ward.
Or will Lancaster feel that the election is won and will continue to be the Councillor that she has been for the past four years? Time will tell.
Walter Byj has lived in Burlington for more than 25 years. He lives in ward 6
I don’t agree with your math! Well said Mr. Harrington.
I did make a mistake by saying that 80% did not vote for Blair. It should have read 70%.
29% did vote for Blair.
Walter
Your article makes some valid and much need points. Although we know that Ms. Lancaster will not agree with your math, now that she has secured her position for the next 4 years, we can only hope that some of the issues debated during the campaign process will make an impact on the way she continues as councillor. Most notably, we hope that she will take to heart the often brought up point that being a councillor is a Full-Time job, and requires 100%+ of her time and committment. Going forward, perhaps Ms. Lancaster will learn the lessons from this election campaign and realize that so many of her constituents were unhappy with her performance and she needs to up her game.
I did make a mistake by saying that 80% did not vote for Blair. It should have read 70%.
29% did vote for Blair.
Walter
I voted for Vanessa Warren. She received just shy of 6% of the votes. Lancaster received just shy of 30%, not 20% as your article states.
I did make a mistake by saying that 80% did not vote for Blair. It should have read 70%.
29% did vote for Blair.
Walter
Some good points Walter, but in my world, 100% – 30% = 70%, not 80%. Please check your math and stay for detention.
I did make a mistake by saying that 80% did not vote for Blair. It should have read 70%.
29% did vote for Blair.
Walter
Or…. perhaps you could say Blair had 9 other candidates attacking her for 10 months. 9 other candidates planting their election signs, 9 other candidates competing for campaign funds, 9 other candidates pushing their agenda, yet she persevered and still came out with the most votes.
Great Article, with yet another citizen based fantastic idea!
Unfortunately, Your math will be lost on Ms. Lancaster. She does not do statistics, track, followup or acknowledge….. unless you have a wallet.
If Ms. Lancastor wont have a town hall meeting,,,,, why can’t we as residents have our own town hall meeting. Ward 6 needs to develop a voice.