Today, I am going to talk about the election, and the topics of "hope" and "change."
No, I am not talking about the American election.
Instead, I am going to talk about the stunning results of the municipal election in North Battleford which saw three new councillors elected - Ryan Bater, Greg Lightfoot and Cathy Richardson - while incumbents Grace Lang and Ron Crush were defeated.
Much was made about the weather contributing to the 16 per cent turnout, but we noticed the lack of enthusiasm well before election day. The turnout was dismal at the Chamber's all-candidates forum as well. In fact I took a look again at the overall vote count in the election in North Battleford: 2,104. By contrast, there were North Stars playoffs games this spring that drew more people.
There is no question this municipal vote was marked by voter apathy, apathy and frustration. It's evident there is a disconnect between North Battleford voters and the City Hall that is supposed to represent them.
Voters expressed that feeling in two ways: either they stayed home, or they voted people out.
I guess I should not be surprised at what transpired. The feedback I've had from many residents over the past three years is their perception, fair or not, that City Hall is not on their side. They feel the City does a great job enforcing bylaws, but has trouble when it comes to actually listening to and delivering on peoples' concerns.
Whether they were seniors, small business people or ordinary residents, many folks feel City Hall was sticking it to them, whether it was increased property taxes (all three years in a row), hikes in landfill and other fees, confounding red-tape zoning regulations (ie. the SpesMed doctors' north end zoning denial that ended up reversed), and other decisions. Landing with a thud with many was the $5,000 Residential Down Payment Grant Program for new condo owners. Many people thought that was a giveaway of their tax money. Most recently, there was the traffic bylaw and outrage from truckers about the oppressive fees in it.
Residents have also made known their displeasure with our pigeon-infested, empty-storefront downtown. Several have told me, repeatedly, they want action immediately on that boarded-up pigeon property on 11th Avenue behind the Scotiabank. That's another issue that stuck in the craw of many people.
Now, it wouldn't be fair to say folks at City Hall didn't do their utmost to make the community a better place. There are many who have a favourable view of council's accomplishments. They point to the CUPlex, new housing developments, the Strategic Plan, the revamped transit system, the arrival of Northland Power and Grit Industries, and so forth.
The bottom line, though, is the election result was not some fluke. There was pent-up frustration over a number of issues over the past three years.
Oct. 24 was not a good night for incumbents in North Battleford. Even re-elected Don Buglas and Ray Fox lost votes compared to 2009. When I saw Buglas and Fox after the votes were in, both looked like they had survived Hurricane Sandy.
Only Trent Houk improved his 2009 showing, but he spent three years on council distancing himself from the City's policies.
Personally, I am sad to see Grace Lang and Ron Crush go. Both were dedicated and principled public servants. Both treated me well personally during my time covering council; Crush in particular made a point of shaking the hands of everyone at the media table. Both took pride in working hard and in being there for all the meetings.
I believe voters sent a message they want their views represented more in decisions at City Hall. Heck, most people didn't vote, which tells me too many residents felt voting was a complete exercise in futility that made no difference one way or another.
One priority of the new council has to be re-establishing a relationship with those residents who feel their concerns and issues have not been heard up until now. As with the issue of downtown revitalization, that will take time.
While on the subject of "hope" and "change," I am optimistic for the next term because we have three new councillors who will come in from the outside and bring a fresh "people's" perspective.
We got a sense election night of what voters want. The three biggest winners on election night - Ryan Bater, Trent Houk and Greg Lightfoot - are basically pro-business moderates. That sums up the direction residents want to go.
On top of that, there's a general consensus from all the winners, including Mayor Ian Hamilton, that public safety issues and the downtown revitalization have to be addressed. If council makes headway, it should help address the "disconnect" that some residents have felt towards their civic government.
I'm hopeful about the next four years at City Hall.
Based on feedback from residents, and based on the votes of election night, voters want a friendlier and more approachable civic government. They want fewer steep tax hikes and less red tape, and a more responsive approach to the issues facing the City. Action in addressing these concerns, not talk, is what will impress these residents.
Above all, residents want a council responsive to them. The clear message of the mini-revolt by voters in North Battleford on October 24 is residents feel City Hall ought to serve the people.
