You boggle easily. Read my entire post. You are correct as to the winning percentage among those who voted. The 43% turnout is an estimate based on a guess as to the actual number of voters in town, true, but it’s Bonnie Barber’s guess (you know I never make these things up) and she is the person best qualified to make it, having running most of the elections in town for the last 20 years. She estimates that there could be 800 actual voters.

This time, by the way, there were actually 53 fewer voters in the by-election than there were for the referendum vote. Unlike you, I was there for that count. Considering that the referendum got all the publicity and advertising and that there was no forum, debate, or local radio coverage and that MOST people in town don’t even know who the councillors are (though everyone seems to know John’s the mayor), the difference is probably understandable.

How Dan comes up with a number like 43% boggles my mind, when there isn’t even an electors list. About the same amount of people voted in the referendum as for the municpal election almost two years ago. This time, there were about a 100 fewer voters to take an interest in the byelection for city council that happened the same day, than people that voted on the referendum. I think that says something in itself.

I don’t think anyone was really surprised by the outcome. I had thought it would be closer

Of course the results come as no surprise. The NIMBY factor along with a mistrust of YTG’s motives will almost always win the day if given the chance.

You talk about awareness of the risks. Was it made clear to every individual as to what the consequences might be if the project is stopped – while the petition for a referendum was being passed around? Somehow I doubt it.

A majority of voters in the referendum have voted in support of a bylaw written by the petitioner that will prohibit construction of a sewage lagoon at a specified location. According to the Municipal Act, Town council must adopt this bylaw. We have every intention of doing so, no one is suggesting otherwise.

All of this doesn’t erase Dawson’s guilty plea for violating the Fisheries Act, it doesn’t erase the long standing court order in which we are named and it won’t make the prosecution go away.

A good leader obeys the laws of the land, this reflects well on all citizens. I have every intention of respecting the court and working with those who help us rather than those who hinder us.

I always believed as elected representative one should elect to represent the will of the people. Now is the time.
We know what the risks are, you have made that more than clear leading up to the election.

Your post here has me a little worried. Please don’t get lost in looking back. Now we need our mayor to look forward, to bring together all levels of government and stakeholders, to help bring about a strategy that leads to a solution. Of course that is a big task. Of course there are a few scary aspects to this (on the other hand better than three-quarter majority will even help with the court).

More than anything, leadership is required now. And you know what John? I have no doubts you can and will provide it.