Campaigning comes at a cost

Times Reporter 

 

The costs of running an effective campaign vary, depending on the candidate and the role they are campaigning for.  For Mayor Steve Grajczyk in the 2010 election, his costs ran high, reaching approximately the $8,000 mark.  

“I bought a lot of signage, paper advertising and just general expenses, just small stuff, but mainly signage,” said Grajczyk.

“I probably overspent, but it got my name across.”

In contrast, Councillor Bob Sobol spent only $600 for his last campaign. 

“This year I am going to be spending a little bit more just because I have been hassled so much about the size of my small signs. I have had the smallest signs in the last two campaigns,” said Sobol.

He said this year he expects it will cost him about $1,000, which is his budget for the campaign. He plans to go door-to-door and visit with residents, and will be attending as many forums as he can. 

“I’m a real believer that your past dictates what your future is going to be. My campaign started three years ago, I don’t work every day with the idea of getting re-elected or anything but, when I do get elected I consider it a privilege and so the work that I do during that three years is a thank you to the people for electing me,” said Sobol.

“I am responsible for that honour and I take it very seriously. I honestly believe that’s the best way to campaign for an election is to really bust your butt, get up there, do the work and give the job 100 per cent. I honestly believe that a lot of people notice that, see that and appreciate that.” 

Grajczyk shares Sobol’s sentiments that mayor and council are always campaigning. 

“You’re campaigning all the time. The moment you get elected you’re campaigning. I am here for the betterment of the community. I have no personal vendettas, no personal objectives other than making the town a better place to live for all of the community,” said Grajczyk. 

The official nominees have been named and the race for a spot on council is well underway. Election day is Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Strathmore residents.