CALGARY- Some major upsets in the race for city council have left two former councillors to pack up their offices, and say farewell to City Hall.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the entire election was the defeat of Ward 8’s John Mar, who was seeing his third term. Front and centre during the June flood, his public profile wasn’t enough to stave off challenger Evan Woolley.
Gracious in his defeat, Mar said it was clear his riding was ready for a change.
“It’s such an honour and such a privilege to have this opportunity to be the public voice of the City of Calgary, and to represent the people of Ward 8,” he said, following his concession speech on Monday night. “That is an extraordinary, extraordinary opportunity and I was blessed to have that for the past six years.”
He went to Woolley’s campaign headquarters shortly after, to show solidarity with the new councillor.
“John has done a great job on council over the last six years, I just think there is a new generation of young politicians and people engaged in political process,” said Woolley. “We are really excited about galvanizing a lot of our shared aspirations across the inner city.”
Ward 4 incumbent Gael MacLeod also suffered a loss, and was emotional as she reflected on her three years in office.
“When you are able to accomplish something and you know people are going to benefit from it, there is a really, really positive feeling.”
She is now preparing for her next chapter—wherever it takes her.
“Well I have six weeks severance, and then I am going to have to find a job—quickly.”
MacLeod was defeated by longtime police officer Sean Chu, who also ran against her in the 2010 election. He says he’s excited for his new role.
“It will be different,” he laughs. “21 years as a policeman, it will be hard to give up the badge!”
The new councillors will be sworn in on Monday.
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