Political allies turned foes!

Oh my. The race heats up and the excrement hits the fan. The present mayor and the present regional councillor for Wards 1 & 2 will face off against each other in the race for the Mayor's seat.

We really don't have much to say - you can read it for yourselves. See Clarington This Week's front page headline "Political allies turned foes" in the Sunday, Aug 27th edition.

Schell enters mayoralty race

Aug 25, 2006 By Jillian Follert
CLARINGTON -- Longtime Clarington councillor Jim Schell has abandoned plans for retirement and thrown his hat in the ring to run for mayor, saying he wants to provide voters with a viable leadership option.

"It is a crucial time in Clarington's development, which will require strong leadership, commitment and experience to guide it over the next four years," he said in a recent statement announcing his candidacy.

He began his political career in 1997 when elected as local councillor for Ward 2, and was elected in 2000 as regional councillor (Wards 1-2), a position he has held to date.

Mayor John Mutton, who is seeking a third term, said Coun. Schell was a member of his campaign team until just last week, and believes his colleague suddenly decided to run, because he fears strong candidates may prevent the incumbent mayor from regaining his seat.

"He told me he was going to enter the race to take votes away from Jim Abernethy so I can win," Mayor Mutton said. "That isn't democratic. I don't want anyone in the public to think I have any part in vote-splitting or anything undemocratic...this is a decision Jim (Schell) made on his own."

Mayor Mutton said he has e-mails from Coun. Schell confirming these motives.

One such e-mail, written to the mayor from Coun. Schell on Aug. 9 reads, "lots of people are pushing me to run. I'm worried about your ability to win. The numbers don't look good. If I run, I'll take votes from AB (Abernethy) not you. Your votes look solid, but I don't think you have enough at this point."

Coun. Schell was quick to defend his ethics, saying he is running to win.

"I don't know what John's on about," he said. "My motivation for running is quite simply that I have had a lot of people come to me looking for an alternative candidate with some experience."

He added the e-mails have been taken completely out of context, explaining that the Aug. 9 correspondence was written to pacify and reassure Mayor Mutton, after he had asked Coun. Schell not to run against him.

Coun. Schell began his political career as a local councillor for Ward 2 in 1997. Earlier this year, he announced plans to retire from politics, but said events of this summer have changed his mind.

In June, Mayor Mutton was charged with two counts of assault, the details of which are protected by a publication ban. He has pleaded not guilty and will go to trial in January.

The incident has left voters to choose between inexperienced candidates and a mayor facing criminal charges -- a situation Coun. Schell said he had to address by running.

"There are a lot of disappointed people out there and I want to give them an alternative," he said. "There is no hidden agenda here."

According to the clerk's office, Coun. Schell filed to run for mayor on Aug. 24. Also vying for the seat are Jim Abernethy, Richard Ward and Wayne Chaskavich.

So there you have it. Still questions to be answered - whether we'll ever get the straight poop is another matter. Mutton and Schell have different versions but one thing is clear. Something is stinky in this campaign.

We need more than just a good, honest, ethical mayor. We also need the same in all those elected to council, so do your homework and learn all you can about ALL the candidates in this election.