Three of Regina's council races feature rematches between the top two finishers in 2006 - and none were closer last time than Ward 5, where John Findura finished approximately 700 votes behind 8-term councillor Bill Gray. Findura is taking another shot at the seat this year - but can and should he beat out the dean of the current Council?
John Findura - video profile - website
In theory, there's plenty to like about Findura's platform this year regardless of one's political stripe. For those concerned with progressive causes, his focus on issues including housing, recycling, transit and accessibility offers some reason for optimism, while anybody more concerned with avoiding any tax increases or cracking down on crime will also find what they're looking for among Findura's promises.
But ultimately, that mix of policy proposals leaves plenty of room for doubt as to which ones are actually top priorities for Findura. And since the latter list dominated his platform for his first run in 2006, there's reason for concern that it will take precedence once it comes time to choose between them.
Bill Gray - video profile
In contrast, Bill Gray's commitments are best classified as modest but achievable: accessibility for persons with disabilities, a fair share of city services for Ward 5, and improved management of the costs of traffic including road congestion, noise and dust.
Needless to say, those proposals don't seem to reflect a particularly inspired long-term vision for the city on their own. But they do at least position Gray as one of the few incumbents who recognizes that there's room for improvement within the city - and they may make for a valuable contribution to a council which focuses on efficiency and liveability.
Endorsement
Those following this series may have wondered if I'd ever end up endorsing any incumbents. And I've noted before that the prospect of new blood tends to be a tie-breaker when there isn't much to choose between candidates on the issues - particularly since the presence of two acclaimed incumbents eliminates any serious danger based on lack of continuity.
But for Ward 5, a modest positive platform wins out over the risk that Findura's real priorities are the ones he ran on in 2006. As a result, the endorsement is for a ninth term for Bill Gray.
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