That some candidates were celebrating successful bids for a spot on Woolwich council meant there were those who came up short in the campaign that ended on election day October 27.
“I don’t have any regrets,” said Dan Holt, who finished third among the six people vying for two seats in Ward 1, adding the campaign was a learning experience for him.
“I don’t think people understand how much time, money and effort is involved in running for office.”
The current chair of the Chemtura Public Advisory Committee (CPAC), Holt said he hopes to continue on in the role, as well as staying involved in community activities.
In that vein, Ward 3 candidate Lisa MacDonald said she plans to remain active, keeping an eye on what happens with the new council.
“Folks will be watching that they make good decisions for the ward,” she said of the new Ward 3 representatives, Murray Martin and Larry Shantz.
MacDonald placed a close third in the race, something she takes heart in.
“To lose by 87 votes was something. It was a great experience – I definitely would do it again.”
Where some were running for the first time, Todd Cowan was seeking re-election as mayor of the township, finishing last in the four-way race.
Though joking that he received a sizable majority in the 2010 election and a decided “lack of majority” this time around, Cowan said people remained friendly as he knocked on doors throughout the campaign. He wasn’t sure what to expect on Monday night.
“I wasn’t counting my chickens one way or another.”
Once the results were in, it was time to think about what comes next.
“The people have spoken, and I respect that,” he said.
It was a much different experience for fellow mayoral candidate Doug Hergott. Running in his first election, he was prompted by a desire to get involved following his retirement over the summer. He ran a low-key campaign to a second-place finish.
“I retired in July and I thought I’d like to give back to the community, so I thought I’d throw my hat into the ring,” said the Heidelberg resident, adding he enjoyed the new experience.
“I had a lot of fun and met a lot of people.”
Was it enjoyable enough to do again?
“Right now, I’m working hard at retirement,” he laughed. “We’ll see what happens in four years.”
Sebastian Siebel-Achenbach, who ran in Ward 1, was of a similar mind, saying he enjoyed the experience and noting the next election is a long way off yet.
“It was a positive one,” he said of the experience. “I enjoyed meeting a lot of people that I never would have met otherwise.”
He said he’s gained a new perspective on both the election process and place in which he lives.
“You realize just how diverse our community is when you’re walking door to door.”
As with Holt, he said he hopes to continue serving on CPAC and remaining involved in the community.
