Even though she didn’t win, Brenda MacDonald, candidate for Toronto city council in Ward 31/Beaches-East York, says she’s proud that she pulled together her campaign in only six weeks.
She’s also unsurprised by the results of yesterday’s election.
“The incumbent (Janet Davis) has always had the advantage,” MacDonald said. “In most cases, and in this particular race, I am pretty sure it’s been NDP, so it’s not a surprise at all.”
MacDonald earned 1,291 votes, or 6.3 per cent of the total. Davis garnered 61.7 per cent. George Papadakis was second, with 3,023 votes, while Russell Rahman came third with 1,652 votes.
MacDonald admits she would have liked to have run a longer campaign, but feels that as a working mom (she’s a music educator) it would have been difficult.
“You have to earn a living, so for me to physically do my job and to run would be impossible,” MacDonald said. “I took six weeks (of) unpaid leave to run and that is all I am permitted in my employment.”
Supporters who joined the candidate and her family at Remarks Bar and Grill this evening were unhappy with the results.
“Clearly, (we’re) a little bit disappointed, but we ran a great campaign and brought the issues forward and we are hopeful for the next time,” said Tom Beyer, a volunteer with MacDonald’s campaign.
For now, MacDonald said she will concentrate on her family and her job and will wait for the next election. She will also keep blogging about different issues in East York, mostly related to green spaces.
“I will probably run again,” she said, noting this is her second time running for council. “After so many tried, I will eventually win.”