Richard Collins celebrates with his brother, Paul, and other supporters after being elected mayor of Montague Monday night. Guardian photo by Steve Sharratt
MONTAGUE — Call him the Comeback Kid. Or at least that’s what Richard Collins called himself here Monday night after winning the municipal election by a handy 40-plus votes.
While many called the race for mayor a coin toss, Collins was confident he would somehow regain his old job in the three-way race. His opponents, Bernie Crawford and Robert Jay, posted respectable numbers, but the veteran mayor outdrew them in the final bid. More than 50 per cent of the 1,200 eligible voters turned out at the polls and gave Collins 264 over Crawford’s 217 and Jay’s 203.
For months people have been railing against the return of Collins — a long-time mayor over the years — and encouraging a new face to emerge. But marking his 13th election campaign and earning his seventh victory — the victor was jubilant.
“So many people were writing me off and I just couldn’t take it,’’ said Collins, who vowed not to re-offer after two other defeats in the past. “I just thought one more time. I love this town and I was hopeful people would give me another chance.”
In the councillor battles, nine sought a position for the six seats and John McFarlane, who many insisted should run for mayor, gleaned the highest with 521 supporters.
“It was flattering,’’ said McFarlane. “I’ll do my best.”
Also joining council will be newcomer Peggy Whitlock who polled a stunning 409, veteran Janice Taylor at 402, veteran deputy mayor David Mabon at 387, and veterans Peter Doucette and Marion Robertson who barely hung on with 356 votes each. Rick Beck earned 347.
It’s not a huge majority for mayor, but it’s better than the last time when Collins won by only a handful against former mayor Pat McGowan who did not re-offer this time around.
“It’s time to put the knives away,’’ said Collins at his victory party at his home. “It’s time to stop the fighting and get to work.”
The Guardian is committed to encouraging intelligent discourse among our readers and to creating a forum where diverse views and opinions on a wide range of topics can be aired. The forum you are in now is a result of our continuing efforts to facilitate a dynamic online conversation among our readers.
This is a moderated conversation. Once a reader follows the steps to register and submit his or her comment it goes to a moderator for the website. Once it has been approved, your comment will be displayed on the website. A comment may be edited or deleted for reasons of content or language.
All readers wishing to join a conversation must first sign in and agree to the Terms of Usage, which explain the rules of acceptable content.
Garth from PEI writes: Richard - don't get too high on yourself.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
joe doe from pei, pei writes: I wounder what he gave the peopl to vote for him ,because all he does for the school board as a trustee is laugh at the people he wont do any thing for you but laugh at you
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Marie from Montague, PEI writes: Ok folks you did it again.When things go downhill you only have yourselves to blame.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
John Stabler from Montague, PEI writes: FINALLY! A mayor who cares about Montague and who will work WITH council and not against it!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Former Islander from Moncton, NB writes: Congratulation Mayor Collins. You are a shining example of why there is no fresh interest town politics in Montague. I feel like I'm back in high school in the 80's. Same Mayor, only the News Room is closed.
Your own words state It's time to put the knives away. I hope you remember you told that to the Guardian. You are the Mayor of Montague, not Collinsville. Your predecessor forgot that, the previous council didn't.
Also keep in mind that those who were re-elected won for a reason as well, the townspeople think they will do a good job too.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
how did he win? from pei writes: He got every 80 year old out of the manor and to the polls...sad really
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Bill former resident from PEI writes: Congratulation Richard, with the line up of people now, I believe Montague will no longer be laughted at. I lived in Montague under four Mayors and can honestly say , you were the best one. I'm sure this new administration will do just fine. All common sense people.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Quiet Observer from Charlottetown, PEI writes: 38.5% of the voters voted for Collins.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Be realistic from Sanity, PEI writes: I'm not sure I understand your point how did he win? Are you saying that senior citizens in a manor should not be allowed to vote for a candidate to represent their town/city? Please explain.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
I think I'm going to be sick from Montague, PE writes: For Heaven's sake, folks, can you not elect someone else? This guy's best before date was up years ago! Is this Pleasantville you live in?
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Old Tory from P.E.I. writes: Congratulations Richard, good luck, hope you can accomplish some good things for Montague, there is a good team in place now.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
JC from PEI writes: Congrats Richard! Enjoy it, you've earned it. Its time Montague had a decent mayor again. Someone who respects his peers.
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
Really glad that I am not from Montague, PEI writes: .
.
WOW Rickie and Dickey together again.... It worked so well last time!
Look out Churches and senior's clubs!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
From MOntague in Alberta from AB writes: Well done Richard! Best of luck. Please look after the town for those of us who come home to enjoy it every year. Please start by taking pride in the Main street. It is an outrage to see how people are allowed to let their buildings slide into slums. HELP!
Please let us know if this reader's comment breaks the rules explained in the Terms of Usage and is obscene, abusive, threatening, unlawful, harassing, defamatory, profane or racially offensive by selecting the appropriate option to describe the problem.
Do not use this to complain about comments that don't break the rules, for example those comments that you disagree with or contain spelling errors or multiple postings.
NOTE
The management of this site emphasizes that it is in no way liable for persons, physical or legal, who are hosted here. Moreover, the managers of this site may not be held liable for errors and omissions that may slip into the information displayed in these reader comments. Everyone who submits a comment should read, understand and agree to the Terms of Usage for this section.
