Ward 9 council candidate Naomi Withers is seeking a recount after incumbent Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra was re-elected by a razor thin margin just 152 votes.
“We were fortunate to have had enough volunteers to serve as scrutineers at all Ward 9 polling stations and have noted a few inconsistencies at some of those locations,” Withers said in a statement.
“We were also contacted by some voters and poll workers, who have brought forward their concerns.”
Withers went on to say new processes and technology were introduced in this election that may be “imperfect”.
A Withers campaign team member wouldn’t elaborate on the nature of the inconsistencies, saying they’ll wait until a decision is rendered by Elections Calgary.
Click here to jump to results in the Calgary election.
Here’s a look at the candidates running for the Ward 9 seat, in alphabetical order.
Gian-Carlo Carra
Carra is one of only a handful of councillors seeking re-election this term, and if he holds onto his seat, it would be his fourth term representing the riding.
His platform priorities include anti-racism, a focus on climate action, truth and reconciliation, as well as transportation and community wellness.
Gian-Carlo Carra’s Facebook page
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Kimberly Feser
Feser, a born-and-raised Albertan, has lived in southeast Calgary for 10 years, and is raising her family in the city.
An active volunteer in the city, Feser said she believes she can represent the community at city hall, ensuring good decisions are made around tax spending, while attracting new businesses as the city rebounds from the economic struggles of the pandemic.
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Kimberly Feser’s Facebook page
Abdirizak Hadi
Hadi is running for council in the southeast riding of Ward 9. No campaign information was available as of publishing.
Abdirizak Hadi’s Facebook page
Syed Hasnain
Hasnain is running for council to represent Ward 9. No campaign information was available as of publishing.
Daymond Khan
Khan is a born-and-raised Albertan who has years of experience working for the Alberta government, and also volunteered with the organization Youth Against Poverty.
If elected, Khan hopes to give a voice to his neighbours, and work for change on priorities like crime, homelessness, economic recovery and collaboration with other councillors.
Omar M’Keyo
Omar M’Keyo is running to represent Ward 9 in the 2021 election. No campaign information was available as of publishing.
Lori Masse
Masse was born and raised in Calgary, and has been working as a strategic communicator in the city for years. She’s also worked at TELUS Spark and the Calgary International Children’s Festival.
If elected, Masse would aim to improve the city’s spending decisions, advocate for the residents she represents and ensure money allocated to mental health and addictions support in the city is spent responsibly.
Derek Reimer
Derek Reimer is running for city council in Ward 9. No campaign information was available as of publishing.
John-William Wade
Wade grew up in Calgary, and is raising his family in the city. He’s represented businesses as the secretary of the International Avenue BRZ, and said he wants to help grow the city’s entrepreneurial and energy potential.
If elected, Wade will work toward wise spending of taxpayers’ money, transparency on the part of city hall, and fostering diversity.
Naomi Withers
Withers is a Calgarian with more than 12 years of experience working in the energy industry, while actively volunteering in her community.
Withers said if elected, she would focus on smart spending at city hall, supporting small businesses and fostering safe, accessible and resilient communities.
In total, 27 people are running for mayor and there are 100 candidates for city council. Eighteen people are running to become Calgary Catholic School Board trustees, while 38 people are running to become Calgary Board of Education trustees.
Election day is Monday, Oct. 18.
Results
Are you running in Ward 9? Email Heide Pearson by clicking her byline at the top of the story.
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