Mystery: who’s polling Springwater for mayoral preferences?

By Kate Harries AWARE Simcoe 7 July 2010
Springwater Township has issued a news release denying that it is conducting a phone survey of residents.

Many Springwater residents (and some Tiny residents who have a 322- phone number) have been polled by Innovative Research Group (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal) on their political views.
For instance: are things getting worse or better in Springwater? (better: no dump!), do you approve of the current mayor and council? Rank in order of importance: Local environment issues, snow removal, fighting crime, keeping local schools open, keeping taxes down, attracting more people to the township, slowing the pace of development, finding cuts in township spending, waste management. more public input in Township decisions, improved recreation facilities, protecting local heritage.
Then the questions zero in on two people. The surveyor asks whether the respondent has heard of Bill French (running for mayor) and asks for an approval rating for Bill French or Tony Guergis (the incumbent, known to SDS41 supporters for his 2006 campaign opposition to Site 41, followed by a complete reversal post-election).
Last question: If both men were running for the position of mayor, which one would you vote for – Bill French or Tony Guergis?
It appears the campaign has started but the mystery is that – so far – there’s only one contender. And French says this is not his poll. Guergis could not be reached – but he has not filed as a candidate and the Municipal Elections Act prohibits contributions (financial or in the form of a service provided by paid labour) before papers are filed.