Ward 2 only change in May 11 election
If you look at election results from Monday’s municipal races, one would assume residents of the District of Carleton North are pleased with the status quo.
There was minimal upset when votes were tallied on May 11.
Except for Ward 3, where Potato World manager Tammy Nicholson-Kirkland beat incumbent Chala Watson in a close race, winning 132-118, the other seats remained unchanged.
Returning will be Andrew Harvey as mayor; Karen Hargrove and Laurel Bradstreet as councillors at large; Michael Stewart as councillor for Ward 1; Scott Oakes as councillor for Ward 3; Ryan Dickinson as councillor for Ward 4; and Angel Connor as councillor for Ward 5.
River Valley Sun spoke with the mayor-elect, Andrew Harvey, on Tuesday, first offering thanks to everyone who re-elected him and n“showed trust” in him.
During the campaign, Harvey said many people promised change, but, in his opinion, the election results showed that people “chose continuity over change,” and that is what he hopes to offer.
“I think that (the results) shows overall, we’ve done a good job in the first term,” said Harvey.
Looking to the next four years, Harvey says it’s going to be busy.
“We’ve got lots to do in the next term, and I’m looking forward to that. I’m excited about the potential for Carleton North.”
Tammy Nicholson-Kirkland told the River Valley Sun she’s excited about her future on council.
“It’s a challenge, a new chapter in life,” said Kirkland. She believes her 14 years of experience as a nonprofit board member will be an asset.
“It’s easier to listen and work together,” said Kirkland. “I want to be a listener first, and a learner, and then be a voice of reason [as we] work together.”
Kirkland noted that her ward is particularly rural and that many residents have felt underrepresented. Kirkland, who lives only one km from the county line, said no candidate has ever run from her end of the ward before. She said that normally, candidates are from the section closer to town.
“One thing I learned going door to door is how many people had no idea they had a voice,” said Kirkland. She said she learned a lot sitting down with and listening to people, especially the elderly.
“It’s very important that they are heard.”
Kirkland says that being the “new kid on the block,” means she has a lot to learn.
“All the councillors have reached out to me to congratulate me,” said Kirkland, who said that she took the opportunity to ask them for suggestions that will help her “stand up” for her ward.
“I prayed about this [election] a lot and I decided that if God wants me in this position, He would put me in it,” said Kirkland. “I’m here to be a voice of reason and I want to make a mark.”
The swearing-in of the new District of Carleton North council will take place at the Centreville Multi-plex on May 26.
The meeting time could not be confirmed at the time of publication. The first meeting of the new District of Carleton North council will take place at the Town Hall on June 9, at 7 p.m.
