Wright’s win paved the way for major electoral change in Hospitality Town
“The people of Woodstock have spoken, and while this is not the outcome I hoped for, I respect the democratic process and everyone who took the time to vote, volunteer, ask questions, engage in discussion, and care deeply about our community,” outgoing Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones wrote on her campaign Facebook page after the May 11 election results. “Thank you for everything, and best of luck to the incoming council.”
Jones garnered 1570 votes, losing to former mayor Jeff Wright, who received 2085 votes. A third candidate, Noah Walton, captured 164 votes.
Mayor-elect Wright previously served as mayor from 2004 to 2008. Prior to that, he was a councillor and deputy mayor.
After the results were in, Wright posted on Facebook thanking everyone involved, including outgoing council members and his Mayoral challengers.
“Woodstock has tremendous potential, and I can’t wait to begin the work,” wrote Wright, “I am ready to listen, lead, and work alongside council and our community to build a stronger future for everyone.”
On May 12, Wright told the River Valley Sun that his first concerns upon taking office would be taxes, water and sewer billing, and roads.
He said these were the issues that kept coming up in conversations as he campaigned. He said people also shared concerns about spending over the last three years.
“Fiscal responsibility is one of the important issues I am planning to tackle as mayor,” Wright said.
“I feel overwhelmed with the support from the community,” said Jeff Wright, “I’m honoured by the faith they’ve shown me, and I’m excited for the challenge that lies ahead.”
The new council table will look considerably different from last term. Only two of the nine incumbents, who ran as a team, were re-elected. Former deputy mayor Mark Rogers returns for Ward 4 (Old Town boundaries), and Will Belyea is back in Ward 2. Ward 1 incumbent Mike Martin lost to May Atkinson. In Ward 3, Scott Dunlop defeated Catherine Davies. In Ward 4, the top four results mean that Arthur Slipp, Mark Rogers (inc.), John Dolimount and Laura Gaddas will represent people within the old town boundaries. In Ward 5, Keith Bull took top spot over Lorne Leech’s (inc.) and Robin Antworth.
Since the election, Jeff Bradbury (inc.) has requested a recount for Ward 4. Gaddas beat him by 11 votes.
No word yet on a date for the recount. The swearing-in date has not yet been set.
