Voters in TNRD area E chose change over experience, electing Jim Smith to the position of Director of the TNRD Area E.
Newcomer Smith received 63 per cent, or 154 votes. He told the 100 Mile Free Press prior to the election that “It’s been very interesting getting out there to meet the people who have concerns. The response from the electors has been awesome,” adding that he offered the background, skills and work ethic to get the job done.
Sally Watson, who has held the seat since 2002, received 87 votes.
She said she was surprised at the results.
“I misjudged the discontent of the population.”
Of an eligible 13,931 voters across the TNRD only 2275 chose to cast a ballot.
The low voter turnout across the TNRD could be part of that discontent, she said.
“I think that people are really discouraged. The TNRD hit the news way too often for not good things. And can we blame people for wanting a change? Of course not.”
Watson said she will be turning over her TNRD duties to newly elected Jim Smith on Nov. 17. Her last duty will be to lay a wreath in the name of the TNRD at the Clinton Memorial Hall on Remembrance Day.
“After that, my work here is done. In the words of Mr. Spock ‘Live long and prosper’,” Watson noted in an emailed response to the 100 Mile Free Press.
Director-elect Jim Smith was not available for comment.
fiona.grisswell@100milefreepress.net
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