Owen Sound has a new mayor.
Lawyer Ian Boddy was elected in a four candidate race that included the incumbent mayor and a former mayor.
Boddy, a one term Councillor, won the top job in the City with 47 per cent support — with 11 hundred more votes than Ruth Lovell Stanners and 28 hundred more votes than Incumbent Mayor Deb Haswell.
Newcomer Mike Zimon finished fourth in the race to be the city’s political leader.
Boddy believes a diligent and persistent approach during the campaign was the key to victory.
Economics was the primary theme that Boddy heard during his campaign.
Boddy relates the city can’t reduce taxes as much as they can try to hold the line and have surrounding municipalities bypass them
In terms of saving the city money by reducing spending, Boddy believes that goal is achievable
Even with a term on council under his belt, Boddy quickly states there will be a learning curve involved with his new position as Mayor of the City of Owen Sound.
Haswell is taking her defeat in the municipal election in stride — saying “the people have spoken.”
Haswell admits she’s disappointed in the result, but not in her performance over the course of her four years in office.
Saying she will always want what’s best for the city, Haswell has
extended an offer to new Mayor Ian Boddy should he need support or run
across an issue she can assist with
Haswell stated there wasn’t a single issue that stood out in her defeat in what she described as a ” bitter ” campaign
The former mayor states she’s proud of her campaign team for their
efforts and relates she’s exceptionally proud of her achievements as
mayor, especially in terms of building relationships in the city and far
beyond.
Richard Thomas is one of five new Council members.
He will be joined by Travis Dodd, Brian O’Leary, Marion Koepke and Scott Greig — as well as incumbents Jim McManaman and Peter Lemon.
Arlene Wright is the new Deputy Mayor.
Marg Gaviller was re-elected as school board trustee.
And the No side won with 55 per cent support — meaning the City will continue to treat its drinking water with fluoride.
Voter turnout in Owen Sound was 52 per cent.
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Owen Sound Election 2014
Unofficial Results
Voter Turnout in Owen Sound was 52.24 per cent.
Mayor
ELECTED – Ian Boddy 3937 47.37
Deborah Haswell 1120 13.48 X
Ruth Lovell Stanners 2817 33.89
Mike Zimon 437 5.26
Deputy Mayor
David Adair 3376 43.35
ELECTED Arlene Wright 4412 56.65
Councillors
Jan Chamberlain 2381 5.14 X
John Christie 2471 5.34
Francesca Dobbyn 2428 5.25
ELECTED Travis Dodd 4421 9.55
Bryan Gibbons 2030 4.39
Bobby Gillespie 2149 4.64
ELECTED Scott Greig 3485 7.53
Steve Hencze 1399 3.02
Michael Helm 530 1.15
ELECTED Marion Koepke 2874 6.21
ELECTED Peter Lemon 4141 8.95 X
Rob Leonard 1170 2.53
ELECTED Jim McManaman 3900 8.43 X
ELECTED Brian O’Leary 3419 7.39
Robin Paul 599 1.29
Colleen Purdon 2295 4.96 X
Graham Rife – WITHDRAWN
ELECTED Richard Thomas 4524 9.77
Bill Twaddle 2067 4.47 X
Owen Sound Bluewater District School Board Trustee
ELECTED Marg Gaviller 3246 51.76
Ann Vos 3025 48.24
Owen Sound Fluoride Question
Yes, end fluoridation in Owen Sound 3546 44.41
WINNER No, continue fluoridation in Owen Sound 4439 55.59