Student voters pick Grajczyk over Ell

Times Contributor 

 

The Strathmore Assembly of Youth (SAY) followed the municipal election last week. By holding a forum and casting their own mock election, students experienced part of the democratic process. The age for voting in the actual elections is 18, and some of the members would be unable to vote. SAY accepts members age 15-21 years.

“There were key questions put to the candidates at our forum and then the students had an opportunity later to speak to them on their own. I think it helped them decide a little better,” said Sarah McKinnon, a SAY student.

They tabulated the votes on Oct. 21 and had some differing results from the actual election.

There were 25 votes for Steve Grajczyk and 23 for Mike Ell, which in their determination would allow another term for Grajczyk as mayor.

The make-up of council would have included Pat Fule with 40 votes, Rocky Blokland with 28 votes, Brad Walls with 23, Telisa Tebbutt with 21, Doug Clarke with 19, and Bob Sobol with 18.

Those voted for, but only achieving runner-up status, were Dave Hamiltion at 15, Denise Peterson at 13, John M Whieldon 12 and Mark Giesbrecht at 11 votes.

“Some of them might have voted for the younger candidates, because their views were closer to their mindset; and others could have voted because the names were familiar to them, and they recognized them from their involvement in the athletic programs at school,” said McKinnon.

She said it was a really good experience for everyone. 

The SAY students will be deciding on their next big project in the near future. There are some ideas for developing a youth oriented sign at the entrance to town, highlighting youth activities. Another idea they will discuss is to adapt the their bike path app for Apple users.