Kevin Anderson
editor@lapressecommunautaire.ca
KAPUSKASING – It was an election result very few would have predicted, but once all of the ballots had been counted and the dust had settled, all but one incumbent councillor had lost their position to a newcomer.
The exception, was Councillor Martin Credger, who admits he himself didn’t foresee the outcome.
“I was very surprised,” he said. “I figured when all was said and done, we’d be three incumbents and three new faces. But I guess the people of Kapuskasing really wanted a change and I count myself very fortunate and am very happy to be returning.”
Credger said he is looking forward to helping the five new faces get acclimated to their new positions as it pertains to council and committees.
“It’s going to be challenging for them individually and for us as a council as a whole,” he commented. “But I won’t be alone in helping everyone get up to speed. Let’s not forget we have a new mayor who’d previously been councillor for 24 years.”
Credger said he felt working with five new councillors presented a good opportunity for fresh ideas, fresh approaches to problem solving and a newfound energy, which he attributes to the fairly young team.
“Our previous council was very good and worked hard for the citizens of Kapuskasing,” he said. “With this injection of youth and enthusiasm, I have no doubt this new council will work to accomplish great things for our town as well.”
The incumbent commented he and Mayor Plourde would do their best to mentor the newly-elected officials, saying getting acclimated to a councillor’s duties can be somewhat overwhelming at first as recalling his own experience.
“When you decide to run, you think you’ve got a pretty firm grasp on how politics work, but once you really get into it, you realize that you didn’t know nearly as much as you thought you did,” he chuckled. “I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Mayor J.C. Caron, Mayor Spacek and now Mayor Plourde and with every new administration and every time you’re re-elected you learn new things. It never stops.”
Credger said if he had one bit of advice to give new councillors it would be for them to take their time when examining issues.
“I would urge them to make sure they have as many facts in front of them as possible before voting on issues, so they can make the most informed decision possible. If they feel they need more information on a given subject, it’s important that they speak up and ask for it,” he said. “It’s better to make the right decision rather than make a quick one.”
