Although Lynne Reynolds put on a brave face for her supporters, the mood was subdued at her election party at the Ambassador Hotel as it became apparent John Rodriguez was winning by a landslide.
Reynolds said she felt “fantastic” after coming in third place in the race to be mayor of Greater Sudbury behind Rodriguez and incumbent David Courtemanche Monday night.
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“I think I brought a good energy to the campaign. I had a wonderful team of people. I brought some good ideas to the table. I'm not disappointed at all.”
Reynolds, who has represented Ward 6 along with Janet Gasparini for the past three years, announced she was running for mayor last January. She had been highly critical of the decisions of city staffers and other council members during her term as councillor.
If elected, she had promised to spend the $10 million earned from casino revenues over the next four years and spend it on projects in the outlying areas. She is not in favour of de-amalgamation.
Although Reynolds has been left without a seat on council, she doesn't regret running for mayor. If she could campaign again, there's nothing she would do differently, she said.
“I think when you come out for the first time as a candidate for a large position like this, it's going to be difficult. The second time around probably gets better. I'm very pleased with the results.”
She said she's looking forward to raking the leaves on her lawn now that's she's got a few extra minutes on her hands. Then she'll be looking for new challenges.
She isn't ruling out running in future elections. The next municipal election will be in 2010.
Reynolds said she's “a little bit surprised” Rodriguez won with such a great margin over Courtemanche.
“I thought it would be a little bit closer. But the people have spoken, and that's the democratic way. We'll look forward to watching what Mr. Rodriguez will do in the next four years.
"If I have any advice, it would be to hang onto your seat, it's going to be a ride.”
