My thanks to all 10 candidates who ran in the byelection for a seat on the Saanich council. It proves that democracy is alive and well in our municipality.
Many of those who ran were seeing what their chances might be in the general election next year, I suspect. So congratulations to the top four candidates who together took 77 per cent of the preliminary vote. It would seem that each of those candidates may have a chance next year.
Also, my best wishes to Ned Taylor, an 18-year-old who placed fifth with no previous managerial or elected experience. I believe that young man may have a great future in Saanich’s community elected positions, so keep an eye on him and I hope he will run again next year as the fourth runner-up.
Together those five who threw their names in the ring account for 83 per cent of the votes. The rest of the field of candidates have received the message from the electorate about their chances since they share only 17 per cent of the rest of the votes amongst all five of them. Their message is that in spite of all their stated experience and vaunted attributes in the campaign they did less well than a high school graduate with very limited qualifications.
I guess they got the answer they were seeking about their chances next year. Good luck to the top five vote-getters next year and maybe some hard work by the bottom five vote-getters over the next 12 months will improve their results if they run again.
Bill Williamson
Saanich