Low voter turnout said to be result of ‘confidence' in incumbents and no mayor's race

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Voters in Woodstock came out in small numbers for the 2008 municipal ballot.

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Art Slipp

Only 727 eligible voters, out of a possible 3,578, cast their choice for the seven candidates who were vying for the six available seats – which meant just a little over 20 per cent of the community's potential casters came to the polls.

Incumbents Catherine L. Sutherland (589 votes), Peter Kennedy (538), James W. Cluff (532) and Andrew Leech (502) were re-elected.

New candidates Charles W. Depow (565) and Theresa Blackburn (457) will take up the other two spots.

Geoff Allen Stairs (428) was edged out in the tight race.

Woodstock's new mayor, Art Slipp, was acclaimed.

In an interview late Monday evening, Slipp said the returning councillors, and the two new members, "are a great base to work with."

"The two new councillors will bring fresh ideas to the table, and I know that the returning members of council will work with them and continue the great work they have done over the last few years," he said. "We will have a good blend on council."

Slipp, who served as the town's deputy mayor for the four years leading up to the 2008 ballot, said voter turnout, in his view, had more to do with citizens' confidence in the people who ran rather than ambivalence about the election.

"My first response is that this is a positive endorsement of council's efforts over the past four years under mayor (Jeff) Wright," he said.

As the town's new mayor and council, Slipp said they have to tackle many serious issues over the coming months and years.

"I'm very pleased with our new council. It's unfortunate that one of them had to lose.

"On a personal note, I would like to commend Geoff on his campaign and his decision to run, as it allowed the voters to have a chance to make their final decision at the polls."

Slipp said the next four years will be a busy time for himself and the newly elected council.

"We will be working together on many innovative and important projects, and other initiatives, which will benefit our town," he said. "We have a lot to be excited about."

Slipp added he extends congratulations to his new council.

Traditionally, the councillor with the highest total in a Woodstock vote is offered the position as deputy mayor.

Sutherland, in a phone interview on Tuesday, said she would accept the post, if offered.

"It's traditional, but, really, it's up to Art," she said. "The whole process of me being elected to another term on council was a very humbling experience. I thank my fellow candidates, and the voters, on a great campaign."

She noted the low voter turnout, in her mind, may have been partly due to no race for mayor.

"You see that in some communities when the mayor is acclaimed but there is still a vote for council," she added.