EDMONTON – Monday was Nomination Day for municipal election candidates across the province, and in Edmonton, council and school board candidates filled City Hall to get their names on the election ballot.
Under provincial law, all candidates running for Mayor, Councillor or School Board Trustee must submit completed nomination papers to the Returning Officer between 9 a.m. and noon Monday.
“We have a total of 119 candidates,” said Alayne Sinclair with Edmonton Elections. The City says the largest number of candidates ran in 1986, when a total of 120 people ran. “Last year, we had a 112, so we have seven more this year than we had last election.”
This year, there are at least two candidates in each Ward, so not one current councillor is acclaimed.
To view Edmonton’s official candidate list, click here.
“We have two acclamations for the Public School Board: in Ward A, Cheryl Johner, and in Ward G, Sarah Hoffman.”
Ward 6 has the highest number of candidates running for council.
“I’m excited actually,” said first-time candidate Dexx Williams. “I’m excited to finally get the chance to share some of my thoughts and my ideas that I’ve seen for the past six years with the public to get their thoughts and we’ll let them decide if they agree with my vision on how we can improve this city or not,” explained the Edmonton police officer.
It’s also the first time out for David Dodge, who’s running in Ward 3.
“First time running, but you know what? It feels like the most natural thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’m not the slightest bit nervous.” Dodge added he’s had an unofficial 18-year internship for the job.
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“Nomination Day is an exciting day, and anybody that’s here today that registered should be congratulated just for the fact that they’ve thrown their hat in the ring,” said Tony Caterina, who’s hoping to be re-elected as councillor in Ward 7.
“For me, this is the third time and it’s still as exciting as it was the first time.”
Another first-time candidate is Candas Jane Dorsey, who is running in Ward 6.
“I’ve done a lot of community work from the other side of the table, and it seemed like time to step up and – if I really believe the city needs some change in the way it deals with people – then I should go and try to make some of that change.”
Edmonton’s municipal election is October 21st.
On Monday, other municipalities posted their unofficial lists of candidates.
Stony Plain:
Mayor William Choy is acclaimed.
Click here to view the candidates for council in Stony Plain.
Strathcona County:
Mayoral Candidates: Roxanne Carr and Linda Osinchuk
Click here to view the candidates for council in Strathcona County.
Parkland County:
In Parkland County, Mayor Rodney Shaigec has been acclaimed.
To view the candidates for council in Parkland County, click here.
Leduc County:
Once Leduc County councillors are elected, they appoint a mayor from amongst themselves.
To view the unofficial list of Leduc County candidates, click here.
Spruce Grove:
According to the unofficial list of candidates, Stuart Houston and Dan Saunders are they mayoral candidates.
To view the candidates for Alderman, click here.
Devon:
The unofficial list of candidates shows Sheila Aitken, Anita Fisher and Stephen Lindop running for mayor.
For a complete list of candidates, click here.
Edson:
Greg Pasychny is seeking re-election as mayor of Edson for the third term. Robert Wilkinson is also running for the top job.
For a full unofficial list of candidates for Edson, click here.
Wood Buffalo:
Two mayoral candidates will be running against incumbent Melissa Blake. Gene Oullette and Jim Rogers will also run.
For a full list of candidates in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, click here.
Red Deer:
After more than two decades on council, Morris Flewwelling is stepping down as mayor, so Red Deer will elect a new leader in October. There are five candidates running for the position: William Horn, Cindy Jefferies, Chad Mason, Dennis Trepanier, and Tara Veer.
To view the list of candidates for Red Deer, click here.
Click here for our complete Decision Edmonton 2013 coverage.
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