OPINION Election post-mortem

A term often used after any election goes something along the lines of "the electorate is never wrong". Such was the case with Monday's municipal election in which Halton Hills voters-- in almost every race-- were very decisive with their ballots. In the race for Halton Hills mayor they clearly saw through the sham of a campaign run by challenger Robert Heaton and gave incumbent Mayor Rick Bonnette a resounding, lopsided victory. Halton Hills lost a great opportunity for representation at the region council table when former CAO Brent Marshall-- a longtime Acton resident-- lost to former MPP Gary Carr. A late start to Marshall's campaign and the fact Carr is well known in south Halton undoubtedly did in Marshall whose 30-year career with the Region is now over. In Ward 2 incumbents Bryan Lewis and Joan Robson defeated a game, but green, Jason Hilts. Ward 3 saw the only significant change of the evening as incumbent councillor Mike Davis-- who wasn't afraid of making waves during his one term-- fell to an impressive showing from newcomer David Kentner. Longtime councillor Moya Johnson was returned while David Adair was fourth. With the retirement of Ron Chatten, Ward 4 was guaranteed of seeing a new face and that face belongs to John Duncan who should partner well with incumbent Bob Inglis. Drew Riedstra, in his second attempt at municipal politics, was third while Kevin Duggan was fourth. Two quality candidates-- Gillian Kutarna and Mike Parkhill-- battled for the right to represent Wards 3 and 4 at the Halton District School Board with Kutarna prevailing. In the Wards 1 and 2 school board race-- the only close battle of the night as it turned out-- Gerry Ockenden outlasted Sean Haefner. Catholic school board voters clearly opted for change as they elected Rosanna Palmieri, ending a 26year run as trustee for Irene McCauley who battled health issues during the campaign. The turnout-- 31.6 per cent-- was less than we like to see, but sadly was par for the course for a municipal election. To all candidates, thank you for putting your name forward in an effort to benefit our great community.