The votes are in and counted and we bow the knee before the will of the people.

Tom Vegh is re-elected by 9,396 votes to my 5,455 on a turnout of 24.8%.

It's not even close. 63% to 37%.

I want to say a big public thank you to everyone who supported my campaign with their money and their time. And, occasionally, trenchant advice. The campaign was run on a shoe-string. 

It probably cost about $7,000 with me contributing about half. The full details will be in the Financial Statement which I must file with the Town.

It was a huge learning experience for me. I enjoyed talking to people on the doorstep and came away with many memorable insights.

But, for me, the campaign never caught fire.

The candidates' debate

The most disappointing aspect was the absence of a candidates’ debate which I believe would have been a game changer. It would have been captured on video and posted and shared on social media. It would have changed the trajectory of the election and got people talking.

But, looking back, I am happy with my campaign and its central theme. 

Although he won the election Tom Vegh will in future be known as the man who was bankrolled and bailed out by people in the development industry. 

I also exposed him as a serial liar, someone who cannot be believed. Most people would find that tough to take but for Tom Vegh it’s water off a duck’s back. For Vegh winning is everything, not doing things.

Eight years ago, Newmarket’s Mayor, John Taylor, ran for Chair of York Regional Council. When he was called to speak from the podium his first words were:

“I am not going to win this vote.”

And he didn’t. But it was the right thing to do.

No regrets

In the same way I have no regrets about running and losing.

I did not want Tom Vegh to be acclaimed after all the damage he had done to our environment. The voters had to be given a choice.

I told people on the doorstep I didn’t need the job.

Clearly, a majority of the voters agreed.

Gordon Prentice 24 October 2022