After winning a second mandate as mayor, Steve Clarke said the result is a “bit of an affirmation” that people are satisfied with city council's job.
Clarke earned 5,720 votes to defeat challenger Gord Launchbury, who had a strong showing, garnering 2,815 votes after results were announced Monday night.
“It’s very, very meaningful” to be re-elected, said Clarke at a buoyant celebration at Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn and Conference Centre. “I’m very grateful to the voters who showed confidence in me ... that’s not taken lightly.”
Surrounded by a large group of supporters, volunteers and council colleagues, Clarke said the successful re-election of all six incumbents who ran is “vindication, of sorts” of how people felt.
“I believe it means that at least we are seen to be going in a decent direction and that we can continue to get better,” said Clarke.
While many suggested the election was a referendum on the future of the city’s electric utility, Clarke didn’t see it that way.
The mayor was a strong proponent of a plan to sell the distribution arm of Orillia Power to Hydro One, a deal that was rejected by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). A re-jigged proposal has been re-submitted to the OEB.
That decision became a polarizing one. Many citizens decried the sale as a sell-off of the city’s heritage and railed at the prospect of jumping in bed with Hydro One, while proponents of the plan stressed only the “poles and wires” were being sold – not the more valuable generating component.
“Certainly, the Orillia Power deal was part of a number of things we did in the last four years,” said Clarke. “It seems to me that when people look at everything that took place over the last four years, the general sense is we are going in the right direction. It is a bit of an affirmation (of that). But it just motivates me further to find ways to make us better and to make the city better.”
He said there are many unfinished projects that require completion. He referenced the new recreation centre opening next year and the waterfront/Centennial Drive initiative as examples.
As for personal priorities, Clarke said: “I’m one of nine and I’m hoping we can find a way to get together with everybody, maybe that’s a special meeting of council, to find out what everybody’s priorities are.”
At the beginning of the last term of council, comprised entirely of newcomers (although three had previously served on council), a meeting was held to prioritize goals. “That worked well,” said Clarke.
He said this council will benefit from experience
“The seven of us returning, we went through a steep learning curve (that) continues to this day,” said Clarke. “But the hill isn’t quite as steep this time and I think that will allow this council to hit the ground running.”
He said the two council newcomers – David Campbell in Ward 1 and Jay Fallis in Ward 3 – both “have the ability to navigate that steep learning curve.”
Clarke said he is “excited” to work with the two new councillors.
“They are bright and I’ve seen their work ethic and their attitude, which is terrific, and all that adds up to a significant level of gravitas,” said the mayor. “I’m looking forward to working with them.”
While he took time to thank his campaign team, he also encouraged those who did not win to stay involved.
“To those who may not have had their goals fulfilled, I hope they stay involved,” said Clarke, referencing Campbell, who lost in 2014. After that defeat, he joined several city committees and organizations.
He also vowed to continue to encourage civility.
“To those who were elected, the commitment on my part is to work collaboratively, listen to whatever everyone has to say and if we disagree, to disagree with respect. That’s important to me.”
