Heated War in Cold Weather- Ward 12 By-election

Edmonton (ATB): Edmonton Ward 12 by election has generated lot of interest among seasoned and rookies politicians.
“This is the most people who’ve filed an intention. If all of these 24 come out on nomination day that would be the most candidates we’ve had for a riding,” said Laura Kennedy, the city’s chief returning officer.
The official list of people who have said they intend to run to replace former Coun. Amarjeet Sohi in the city’s southeast has grown to 24 people, the most a by-election in the city has ever seen, but it could get even bigger.
“There could be more,” said Kennedy, adding this is the first time candidates have to file a notice of intention in order to raise campaign funds.
But anyone choosing to self-fund a campaign only need to show up on Jan. 25 and fill out the proper forms, pay the fee and be nominated by 25 people living in the ward, meaning the list of contenders could grow.
As it stands, the list includes a school trustee, a restaurateur, a dentist, a former provincial Wildrose candidate, a former federal Green Party candidate, a federal Conservative Party candidacy hopeful, a blogger, a media personality, a union leader, a fundraiser, a non-profit fund developer and a PhD candidate researching crime and racism.
During the last municipal election, just three people ran in the ward. Sohi, who since gave up the seat following a federal election win, coming out on top with 13,427 votes. The next nearest contender garnered 3,572 votes with 17,478 votes being cast altogether.
Kennedy says the increase in candidates could mean a larger voter turnout.
“Very much democracy in action,” said Kennedy. “If more come out, we’re prepared for more.”
Asian Tribune appeal to the valued voters that the profile and an individual platform of the prospective Councilor should be minutely considered while exercising your right to vote.