Money isn’t everything, especially when it comes to the latest round of elections in Coldstream.
Out of the eight councillor candidates who ran, Shane Hillman, who was not elected, topped the list with expenses totalling $2,330.
Meanwhile councillors Pat Cochrane and Richard Enns didn’t spend a dime on their campaign and successfully earned a seat on council.
“Go figure,” said Enns of the numbers.
Doug Dirk spent $386, Glen Taylor spent $435, Peter McClean’s expenses totalled $1,106 and Gyula Kiss doled out $1,288.
Even though he didn’t gain a spot on council, Hillman says his efforts, including his election bill, were worthwhile.
“As someone running for the first time, especially against incumbents and past councillors, I needed to try and raise awareness and get my name out in the community,” said Hillman, who enjoyed his first venture into politics, but will decide closer to 2018 if he will throw his name in the ring again.
“This is reflected in my expenses as the majority of my funds were spent on signs (some of which have been donated to the Lavington Elementary School PAC), brochures, pamphlets, and flyers, and my website.”
Cochrane didn’t feel the need to invest in his campaign.
“I did not believe that any advertising I did would make a difference in the outcome,” he said.
Kiss’ expenses actually reflected funds he spent to inform electors on his position against the $70 million borrowing referendum.
And it proved to be money well spent.
“I am proud that my ad in (The Morning Star) may have helped in defeating the referendum,” said Kiss, who also spent some funds on business cards saying ‘Don’t get soaked.’
