The three new councillor candidates, who were unsuccessful in their bid to make it to the District of 100 Mile House council table, after the four incumbents were re-elected on Nov. 15 speak about the experience.
Rita Giesbrecht says she is obviously somewhat disappointed she didn’t win, but pleased to see how many people did vote for her.
There is a strong possibility she will run again in future, she adds.
“Very few people knew me going in, so based on the response, I would say yes.”
Giesbrecht explains she “absolutely” does not regret running for council, and meanwhile she will continue to work on things like her lobbying to get The Lodge reopened.
“My take away from [the campaign] is the topics I was able to bring into the public discourse that had not been there previously.”
John McCarvill says he is not surprised by the results, as the voters proved that it is always tough to “knock off” an incumbent.
“A lot of people who were expressing a desire for some change were people who were not voters [in 100 Mile House].”
He adds it is “always a win” when someone wants to serve their community.
“I think it stimulated some conversation that may have not happened. And, I think Mayor Mitch Campsall and council are going to be challenged now because they’ve made comments – in terms of infrastructure particularly – and now, thankfully, that stuff has got to get done.”
Peter Reid says he was pleased with what he learned from the process.
“I have nothing but admiration for anyone who runs for political office of any kind.
“I hope the message that change is needed, will inspire the incumbents returning to office to reflect on the last six years and inspire them to take the appropriate action to ‘right the ship’.”
He adds his thanks to the people who voted for him.
