Off to the races
Summerside mayoral candidates find residents engaged on issues while campaigning door-to-door
Picture a montage from a movie. Three different people, three different days, all spreading the same message.
“Hi there, I’m Brent Gallant…” “Hi there, I’m Basil Stewart…” “Hi there, I’m Nancy Beth Guptill…”
And as the montage ends, they all say in unison, “And I’m running for mayor.” With the Nov. 4 election quickly approaching mayoral candidates are still hitting the campaign trail, getting platform points across one last time before Summerside residents take to the polls.
Brent Gallant, councillor for 17 years
When it comes to introducing himself while going door-todoor, Brent Gallant has it down to a science. “Anything on your mind regarding the upcoming election?”
After finishing at one house, he swiftly makes his way to the next. “Campaigning as mayor, it’s a lot of work,” he says with a chuckle, comparing it to campaigning as a councillor candidate.
“I’ve been going now for a number of months and it’s been great to get out and meet the people of the city.”
Generally speaking, he says, people have been receptive when he appears in their doorway.
“From what I’ve heard, the citizens have been satisfied by the work completed over the last term. But they’ve also shared the concerns. Some are very localized, like adding a full traffic stop in areas like Bay Avenue or near Wilmot.
“One person might be concerned about a bump in their road while others may be worried about the fiscal responsibility of the city or a broader topic.”
Gallant is the current councillor for Ward 4: Clifton – Market. He was the first to announce his candidacy for mayor.
“Affordable housing is another major concern I’ve heard about from city residents. In talking with a lot of seniors I’ve heard that some are finding it difficult to keep up with the financial tolls out there. It seems to be something on everyone’s mind.” While going door-to-door, Gallant met with resident Gerry Burt, who recently moved back into the city.
“Summerside has always been a great spot to live in, but there’s been crime in recent years and some danger, I’d love to see it get back to how it was,” said Burt.
“This election will be important to the city. I think the concerns of the residents need to be met in order to move forward.”
Basil Stewart, mayor of Summerside for 29-years
Basil Stewart is a familiar face to many Summerside residents. “I was waiting for you to run again,” said a resident when Stewart came to the door recently.
Stewart noted, “What you see is what you get with me. And I think the people of Summerside know that about me. They know I’m someone who can get things done.
“The reception I’ve had going door-to-door has been great. When I get a chance to chat with the people, I lay out my points. The people have been friendly, and they know my work ethic. They know I’ll be there for them.”
With a 29-year-long mayoral record, it’s hard for Stewart not to be recognized for his past work. “Summerside residents know what I’ve been able to accomplish.”
He says if he were to take to the mayor’s chair again, he would want to develop a strong working relationship with provincial and federal governments.
“I’ve had that in the past and it’s something I think the city needs for the future.”
After four years out of office, Stewart feels like he can bring fresh eyes to the table.
“I’d like to see the city attract more development, get a better handle on rates, and get more businesses in here for the younger generation. We’re fortunate to have the strengths we do, but I’d like to see Summerside become the best little corner of the world.”
Nancy Beth Guptill, former economic development consultant for City of Summerside
After ringing the doorbell, Nancy Beth Guptill stands with a smile on her face.
“Hi there…” but before she could finish the woman on the other side of the door screeches. “Ooooh, I know your mother,” said Erma Huestis with a wide smile and laugh.
Guptill says about 20 per cent of the time, she’s met with that reaction. The other 80 per cent it’s because they know her from her engagement in the city. From behind the door, the woman continues, “I’m so happy you’re running for mayor. It’s like a light at the end of the tunnel. I think it will be great for the city to have a female mayor. It’s the very best. We need a woman at the head of the table.”
Guptill says it’s a great feeling to hear people excited about a woman running.
“In cases they tell me they’re voting for me, not just because I’m a woman, but because they feel I’m a capable woman.”
Guptill says she has the ability to switch lenses when looking at various problems, an attribute that will be an asset.
“We need to be able to change our views when looking at situations. Something might mean one thing to a group of individuals and something else completely to another.”
She says moving forward the city needs to establish strategies for affordable housing, disposable income, business development and attraction and social recreation.
“I think it’s a good thing I haven’t been engrained in the council and stuck on an issue from 20 years ago. The time is now to move the city forward in a new direction.”