MEDICINE HAT, AB – The two candidates leading an informal online CHAT News poll spoke today about the campaign so far, and about about their chances come Monday.
Ted Clugston and Linnsie Clark are running for the job of mayor.
“I bet all of the candidates for council or mayor wish it was over, can’ t wait for it to be over. It’s a real grind,” Clugston said.
Feedback on social media has been wearing for Clugston, who has been mayor for the last two terms and is running for his third. He says his record has been a focal point for other council candidates.
“Just having this many candidates for council, all trying to distinguish themselves, each one’s taken a different path, many have become very aggressive, and perhaps critical of current council. It’s difficult being the incumbent to stand on your record,” Clugston added.
Fellow mayoral candidate Linnsie Clark meanwhile says she’s found many residents she’s met on the campaign trail are desiring a change in council, and she says the campaign learning curve has been fairly steep for her team as she makes her first bid for office.
“One of us knew exactly what we were supposed to be doing. The whole social media thing, I’ve never done that before.. (but) despite those little hiccups along the way everyone stayed really focused and positive throughout,” Clark said.
As for how the pair of candidates like their chances of winning the job of mayor of Medicine Hat, both have a positive outlook.
“I feel pretty good. I mean we’re still running like we’re running in last place, which is what we normally do. But we’ll see,” Clugston said.
Clark also thinks her odds of winning are “pretty good.”
“But that’s not what I want to focus on right now. I want to focus on getting people out to vote and talking to as many people as we can,” Clark said.
Her plans include a rally at Dunmore Road and Carry Drive tomorrow afternoon while Clugston will continue door-knocking and shaking hands at local events over the weekend.
