With nearly three months to go before Calgarians head to the municipal ballot box, early polls suggest a clear front-runner for mayor — Ric McIver.
Metro Calgary was provided polling results from July 14, 15 and 20 from Calgary-based Ivrnet Inc, and it showed of the 431 people who responded to the question, “if the civic election were held tomorrow, which of the following 10 candidates would you likely vote for mayor,” 44 per cent put their vote behind McIver.
Current Ward 4 alderman Bob Hawkesworth came in second at 13 per cent and MLA Kent Hehr next at eight per cent. Judging from the top three names on the list (current and active political figures) Mount Royal political science prof Keith Brownsey said the tally indicates one thing right now — name recognition — and it’s not time to throw in the towel.
“Even with Ric McIver so far ahead, I think the race is still wide open,” said Brownsey. “But he has certain advantages to being the front runner, and certain set of problems he faces being the front runner… he’ll certainly be under much more scrutiny.”
Brownsey said those at the bottom of the list might have a tougher time attracting financial backing and volunteers, and some may consider whether a mayoral run is worth the effort, money and time.
