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Election race nears finish line

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In Penetanguishene
Oct 25th, 2010
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By Nicole Million Simcoe.com Oct 21, 2010
Mayoral candidates in Midland and Penetanguishene confident about chances Election race nears finish line. NORTH SIMCOE – With only four days until Ontarians head to the polls to elect their next municipal representatives, candidates are taking one last kick at the proverbial can as they hope for a win.
Midland mayoral candidates Jim Downer and Gord McKay are both confident leading up to Monday’s vote, and both said they are happy with the way they ran their respective campaigns.
“My campaign told people that I speak the truth and I don’t make things up,” said Downer, the incumbent. “All decisions are not popular decisions, and when I make a decision with the majority of council, it’s for the benefit of all the citizens – not just a few little groups. That message to me is very important. A mayor, in order to show leadership, has to have integrity and he has to tell things straight up.”
McKay, who has served as a councillor for the past four years, described his campaign as “well organized.”
“I have a good group of volunteers on the ground, and we’re all focused on what the objective is, which is the Oct. 25 election. I am very pleased with how I’ve performed.”
While on the campaign trail, both men came across issues they believe to be at the top of voters’ list of concerns.
McKay noted taxes have been foremost for many residents, as have jobs and the growth of the economy.
“If you get down to individual street issues, heavy-item pickup is prime, and another one is the taxi issue,” he said, adding he is feeling cautiously optimistic heading into the final weekend of the campaign.
“I am looking forward to the people of Midland making a clear choice. We have the direction of the status quo, or a change that’s going to, in my mind, improve Midland in the future.
Downer said he has noticed what he believes to be misconceptions among residents regarding many of the moves – from the taxi bylaw to the power-of-entry bylaw – made in the last term, as well as what he calls “spin” by certain candidates.
“Other members are putting spins on things and they’re not bothering to tell the truth about what’s really going on,” he said, adding he feels “very confident” about his chance at another term as mayor.
“I think I’ve led this community well through some very difficult times.”
In Penetanguishene, the race for the top spot is still going strong.
Newcomer Gerry Marshall is still hitting the pavement hard in hopes his last-ditch efforts will help him come election day.
“Nobody quits until Monday, that’s for sure,” he said.
“I have probably knocked on about 3,200 doors so far, with a few hundred to go,” he continued. “(And) my website is just south of 2,100 people, so people are looking and getting educated.
“Everybody is kind of engaged. I am feeling the campaign has gone well and people have taken time to research each of the candidates and make informed decisions.”
Incumbent Anita Dubeau said she is proud of her “good, clean campaign.”
“I have tried to stay above the fray and the untruthful comments being made. It’s disappointing everyone can’t embrace all the good things that are happening in our community. We are a growing community, so we have to continue to move forward,” she said, adding she has been out knocking on doors as much as possible.
Doug Leroux, who has served as deputy mayor for seven years in total, said he is confident he has managed to get all of his points across to voters.
“I have done door knocking across the entire town and have had a very good reception,” he said, adding many people have told him they desire change. “At the same time, I am getting a positive reaction to the fact that they feel as mayor it’s going to require someone who has experience, not someone who has had no experience whatsoever and who has never even attended a council meeting.
“Mr. Marshall is making a lot of waves, and as far as Anita, the reaction there is, ‘Very nice lady, but Anita has done her time.’”
As for what voters are most passionate about, a few things stand out for all three candidates, including taxes and downtown revitalization.
“Underneath those ones are accessibility for special-needs citizens (and) access to trails for snowmobilers,” said Marshall.
Dubeau said she witnessed quite a bit of anger among residents on the hustings.
“It is very unfortunate. I think we have a lot to celebrate in Penetanguishene. Taxes are certainly a big issue and will be something the new council will certainly have to talk about. I don’t know how we’re going to reduce taxes, but there will have to be a lot of discussion.”
Leroux agreed, but added administration changes and more transparency also emerged as hot topics at people’s front doors.
All three candidates said they are feeling optimistic about their chances.
“People are looking for change and are happy I’m running,” said Marshall. “They are encouraged by what I have to say, so I am feeling very positive.”
Dubeau predicted a “tight race,” while Leroux said he is “very confident.”
Voters head to the polls Monday and will have from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to cast their ballot.

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