Kelvin Galbraith was re-elected to a second term in Burlington’s Ward 1 last night. He defeated challenger and newcomer Robert Radway with nearly two-thirds of the vote.
“I would like to first thank my competitor Robert Radway for a clean campaign. It takes a lot of courage to put your name on the ballot. I would also like to thank all my supporters in Ward 1 and look forward to serving them again in the next four years. Ward 1 has a great variety of communities with varied concerns and I will continue to engage with all of them on their unique issues. Thank you all for your support of me in this election,” said Galbraith late Monday night.
Galbraith’s win is, however, shadowed by recent revelations concerning conflict of interest. The city’s Integrity Commissioner has said that Galbraith has conflicts and is “required to recuse yourself from the discussion and voting on consideration of the Aldershot GO MTSA. This includes refraining from participating and attempting to influence the outcome during the open house and other occasions at which the public, staff and members of council are contemplating proposed policies affecting the Aldershot GO MTSA.”
The MTSA is the growth area surrounding the Aldershot GO station and the intersection of Plains and Waterdown roads. Galbraith owns land in the midst of the MTSA. He admits to a conflict but believes the Integrity Commissioner’s advice is being misinterpreted by his critics. He is expected to comment further on the issue soon.
Galbraith was first elected in 2018 when he won only 21.3% of the vote in an eleven-person race.
Although he lost, Radway’s challenge was unexpectedly strong. “I am very proud of myself and my team for what we have accomplished.”
