Qadri gets a third term, Lee vows to keep him accountable

Glen Gower
Shad Qadri celebrates his election win on October 27. Photo by Glen Gower.

Incumbent Shad Qadri won a third term as Stittsville’s city councillor, but last-minute challenger Dave Lee earned a strong 40% of the vote.

 Unofficial results, with all votes counted:

Shad Qadri: 5182 (61%)
Dave Lee: 3322 (39%)
Ballots cast: 8533, or 44% of total eligible voters

 

Dave Lee talks to supporters at Main St. Pub. Photo by Glen Gower
Dave Lee talks to supporters at Main St. Pub. Photo by Glen Gower.

Lee told a large crowd of family, friends and supporters at Main St. Pub that Qadri would be hearing from him and other residents over the next four years.

“People are more aware of municipal politics in this area, what’s going on, and what our councillor has done and hasn’t done,” said Lee.

“We’re going to be calling him out.  He’s not going to walk in to four more years of a nice taxpayer-funded pension, riding off to the sunset.  We’re going to make the next four years accountable,” he said.

Marilyn Jenkins, a long-time Stittsville resident who has volunteered in a past election for Qadri’s campaign, says Lee’s strong showing is evidence of a desire for change in Stittsville.

“It should tell Shad there is enormous dissatisfaction out there,” says Jenkins.

“I’m a very strong believer in term limitation. I think this level in particular, we need fresh voices, we need change to keep the process going forward. Unfortunately I don’t think Shad has been a strong voice for Stittsville,” she said.

“What my results tell me tonight the community has full support and full faith in my representation,” said Qadri. “The community gave me another opportunity to say ‘we love what you’ve done so far and we’d like you to continue that for the next four years’.”

Qadri said that traffic safety and transit were the top issues that resonated with voters that he talked to during his campaign.

“(Transit is) something that I definitely have to focus on going forward as we expand as a community. Five years ago or six years ago this community didn’t even want transit, so we’ve come a long way,” said Qadri.

Qadri’s supporters joined him for a victory party at Bistro54 in Amberwood.

“I voted for Shad because I’ve known him for 25 years now, I’ve seen him right from the start always involved in the community. To me that’s what a leader really needs – he’s always active in the community all the time,” said Greg Curry, who helped put up signs for Qadri.

Ayah Stretch, one of Qadri’s campaign organizers, said that Lee’s results surprised her.

“I really thought Shad Qadri would be able to get more votes and more of a lead over David Lee,” she said. “I think it’s because we are a growing community and there are many new residents to Stittsville who have never even heard of Shad Qadri … (and) what he’s done in the past eight years.”

 

Yeah Dave. Cake at Dave Lee's campaign party at the Main St. Pub. Photo by Glen Gower
Yeah Dave. Cake at Dave Lee’s campaign party at the Main St. Pub. Photo by Glen Gower

QUOTABLE

Dave Lee, on what he accomplished during the campaign:
“People got to vote for a councillor in this ward.  A lot more people in this ward are now engaged in municipal poltics, what’s going on in this community, (they’re )much better educated in what’s going on.”

Dave Lee, on whether he’ll run again in four years:
“Four years is a long time. We’ll consider it.”

Kieran Lee, on whether his dad changed at all during the campaign:
“He’s been wearing more dress shirts.”

Shad Qadri, on his plans for the day after the campaign:
“I’m excited, I’m thrilled, do I need some sleep ? Yes I do.” (He also has an 11:00am meeting with city staff.)

Dave Lee, on his plans for the day after the campaign:
“”I think I’m golfing. I have no idea.”

https://twitter.com/whatiswhatwas/status/526921718745808898

 

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6 thoughts on “Qadri gets a third term, Lee vows to keep him accountable”

  1. Deb says:

    I believe it’s a democracy and anyone who works should get a pension.

    Shad entered into his first term a gentleman and a well respected man in the community for his work as a resident.

    Worry not, Mr Lee, about holding Shad accountable. If you do want to be a voice for the community than I suggest and invite you to contribute to community associations and events and make yourself known as a person wanting to work for the community.

    Political opinion and expressing outrage is something all of us can and will do. But it does not tell me that you have done days, weeks and months of selfless work for Stittsville.

    Step out of the ring and put your gloves aside and get out there! Go be a Stittsvillian and work with the residents and be a leader.

    And you know you’re right we should make sure our councillor is working for us. Just as I’m right that you need to work to show us that you will be ready in four years.

    Pull up your socks….you would have very large shoes to fill.

    Reply
    1. Katie says:

      Dave has worked for and in this community. As a resident of Stittsville for decades, many know Dave from his years as a volunteer basketball coach and as a Stittsville business owner who has contributed to fundraisers. Being involved is more than attending bake sales and getting your picture taken with people. The ones who are truly involved are usually behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera. Volunteers are tireless and never recognized.

      As for Shad being a gentleman, he didn’t bother to congratulate Dave on a good run nor did he bother to thank him when Dave congratulated him after the win. I don’t call that very gentlemanly.

      Dave ran a very close race. If Shad were as involved as he should be, Dave would never have gotten 40% of the vote.

      Shad needs to do a much better job communicating with the constituents. Only Kanata North and Rideau Rockcliffe councilors spend less of their budget keeping their community informed!

      Reply
  2. Mo says:

    Dave seems to think that we did not know anything about municipal politics and were not aware of anything until he showed up. What does he think we are, stupid?

    Reply
  3. Jeff says:

    “What my results tell me tonight the community has full support and full faith in my representation,” said Qadri. “The community gave me another opportunity to say ‘we love what you’ve done so far and we’d like you to continue that for the next four years’.”

    This comment sums up almost every interaction I have had with Shad over the last 8 years. The man is arrogant and condescending to others.

    Reply
  4. David says:

    Katie – were you at Bistro54 ? I was -and I can absolutely assure you that Shad in his speech made a point of congratulating Dave on his campaign and thanking him for putting himself on the line and running for office.

    Now I wasn’t at Dave’s event at the MainStreet Cafe – so I can only assume that Dave was far more generous in defeat than the limited online quotes suggest. At least I hope so.

    Reply

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