Incumbent Shad Qadri won a third term as Stittsville’s city councillor, but last-minute challenger Dave Lee earned a strong 40% of the vote.
Unofficial results, with all votes counted:
Shad Qadri: 5182 (61%)
Dave Lee: 3322 (39%)
Ballots cast: 8533, or 44% of total eligible voters
Lee told a large crowd of family, friends and supporters at Main St. Pub that Qadri would be hearing from him and other residents over the next four years.
“People are more aware of municipal politics in this area, what’s going on, and what our councillor has done and hasn’t done,” said Lee.
“We’re going to be calling him out. He’s not going to walk in to four more years of a nice taxpayer-funded pension, riding off to the sunset. We’re going to make the next four years accountable,” he said.
Marilyn Jenkins, a long-time Stittsville resident who has volunteered in a past election for Qadri’s campaign, says Lee’s strong showing is evidence of a desire for change in Stittsville.
“It should tell Shad there is enormous dissatisfaction out there,” says Jenkins.
“I’m a very strong believer in term limitation. I think this level in particular, we need fresh voices, we need change to keep the process going forward. Unfortunately I don’t think Shad has been a strong voice for Stittsville,” she said.
“What my results tell me tonight the community has full support and full faith in my representation,” said Qadri. “The community gave me another opportunity to say ‘we love what you’ve done so far and we’d like you to continue that for the next four years’.”
Qadri said that traffic safety and transit were the top issues that resonated with voters that he talked to during his campaign.
“(Transit is) something that I definitely have to focus on going forward as we expand as a community. Five years ago or six years ago this community didn’t even want transit, so we’ve come a long way,” said Qadri.
Qadri’s supporters joined him for a victory party at Bistro54 in Amberwood.
“I voted for Shad because I’ve known him for 25 years now, I’ve seen him right from the start always involved in the community. To me that’s what a leader really needs – he’s always active in the community all the time,” said Greg Curry, who helped put up signs for Qadri.
Ayah Stretch, one of Qadri’s campaign organizers, said that Lee’s results surprised her.
“I really thought Shad Qadri would be able to get more votes and more of a lead over David Lee,” she said. “I think it’s because we are a growing community and there are many new residents to Stittsville who have never even heard of Shad Qadri … (and) what he’s done in the past eight years.”
QUOTABLE
Dave Lee, on what he accomplished during the campaign:
“People got to vote for a councillor in this ward. A lot more people in this ward are now engaged in municipal poltics, what’s going on in this community, (they’re )much better educated in what’s going on.”
Dave Lee, on whether he’ll run again in four years:
“Four years is a long time. We’ll consider it.”
Kieran Lee, on whether his dad changed at all during the campaign:
“He’s been wearing more dress shirts.”
Shad Qadri, on his plans for the day after the campaign:
“I’m excited, I’m thrilled, do I need some sleep ? Yes I do.” (He also has an 11:00am meeting with city staff.)
Dave Lee, on his plans for the day after the campaign:
“”I think I’m golfing. I have no idea.”
https://twitter.com/forrealdavelee/status/526930760767635460
https://twitter.com/barrybeldam/status/526897552533098497
https://twitter.com/barrybeldam/status/526907903702089728
https://twitter.com/barrybeldam/status/526908128806203392
Congratulations @forrealdavelee You stepped up, got people thinking and caring. Well done! #Stittsville #ottvote
— Jim Warren (@jwarren65) October 28, 2014
Congrats @forrealdavelee you ran a pretty close race with the incumbent IMO. Hopefully a wake up call for #Ward6
— Joelle 🇨🇦🇺🇦 (@Lavender_Salts) October 28, 2014
@StittsCentral etc that is says Lee has rocked this election and I don't even agree with his mandate.
— Jïm Brÿson (@jimbryson) October 28, 2014
https://twitter.com/ShawnPuggerWill/status/526920773249007616
https://twitter.com/whatiswhatwas/status/526921718745808898
https://twitter.com/LauraCinOttawa/status/526925621054935040