“I think there’s a feeling, not only amongst the people in our ward but across the city in general, that a lot of these councillors have been in their jobs too long and there’s a sense that we need some change,” said Tim Tierney, who is running for city councillor in Beacon Hill/Cyrville.
It was partly those feelings of change that prompted the current Beacon Hill North Community Association president to register for the October election, he indicated. Issues like the interprovincial bridge and the recent school accommodation review also spurred him to seek a city seat, Tierney continued.
The newcomer to the municipal campaign trail will be up against incumbent Michel Bellemare, who defeated Frank Reid in the last election with 61.7 per cent of the vote. While Bellemare has not yet registered, a spokesperson in his office said the councillor intends to run again. Bellemare, who is out of the office until Monday, Jan. 11, was unavailable for further comment.
Going against an incumbent can be difficult because they tend to have a leg up on new candidates, like rollovers from previous campaigns and an established profile in the community. Tierney, however, is not daunted by the task at hand.
“I do have a good sense of the community and I’m in touch with the community,” he said. “I’m in the community on a regular basis and I don’t think that’s something (Bellemare) benefited from over the last three years.”
Resurrecting and taking a leadership role in the Beacon Hill North Community Association is just one of the many hats Tierney wears. He coaches area sports and has been involved with local boards and councils, including the Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre.
In Cumberland Ward, meanwhile, current Orléans-Cumberland Ottawa Catholic School Board trustee Stephen Blais is also ready to wade into the municipal fray.
“The city right now is at a tipping point,” he said, explaining Ottawa can either move forward to become the G8 capital it should be or continue chasing its tail.
Spending at the city is out of control, priorities haven’t been clearly set, and decision-making flips back and forth, Blais argued, adding residents can’t afford five to six per cent tax increases.
“I think it’s clear people are not happy with the way the city operates,” he continued, noting taxes are higher but services are fewer. “People are fed up and want change.”
Passionate about civic affairs, Blais said the timing in 2006 wasn’t right to run for municipal office, so he instead made a successful bid for school board trustee. The experience he has since gained at the school board, where trustees deal with budgets, set priorities and make tough financial decisions, has been very helpful, he continued. Blais has also been involved with a number of community organizations, including heading up the Queenswood Heights Community Association.
Cumberland Ward is currently held by Rob Jellett, who soundly beat two candidates in 2006 with 71.5 per cent of the vote. But whether Jellett will run again remains to be seen. The councillor said he hasn’t decided if he’ll add his name to the ballot this year, although he’s “leaning toward it.” Jellett indicated he will make a decision within the next month.
Unlike his colleagues, Orléans Coun. Bob Monette has already put his name forward for re-election, making him the first incumbent to register. Monette first came to the amalgamated Ottawa council via a byelection in 2003, where he beat seven opponents and garnered about 34 per cent of the vote. He had an easier run in 2006 against a single candidate, Dennis Vowles, winning his seat with just under 70 per cent of the vote.
Candidates for the 2010 election, which takes place Oct. 25, have until 2 p.m. Sept. 10 to register.
