St. John's, NL
Light snow
Light snow  0°C
Feels like -6°C
(view forecast)

  
 Tuesday February 9, 2010 
Help for Haiti
Tely News Alerts
HOME
SUBSCRIBE
COMMENTS
SPECIAL SECTIONS
ARCHIVES
ONLINE STORE
CONTACT US
ABOUT US
TELEGRAM TEAM
Click to view today's Smart Edition
NEWS SECTIONS
News
Sports
Local Sports
National News
Business
Lifestyles
Arts & Entertainment
Columns
Editorial
Letters to the Editor
Births
Obituaries
Provincial Headlines
Financial News
Special Sections
Full Print Edition - Headlines
Celebrity Daily
Interactive Horoscopes
RSS

TOP 10 ARTICLES
Most Viewed  |  Most Discussed

TELY POLL
Should lottery corporations be allowed to offer online gambling?
 
Yes
No
Undecided

| view past polls

Extreme Evolution Contest

Offshore helicopter inquiry

Cougar Flight 491 Tragedy

InMemoriam

Twitter

Facebook

PHOTO & SLIDESHOW GALLERIES
Creepy Crawlies
Creepy Crawlies
JAN.-FEB. 2010 READER PHOTO SLIDESHOW
JAN.-FEB. 2010 READER PHOTO SLIDESHOW
Winter storm hits Battery, Quidi Vidi
Winter storm hits Battery, Quidi Vidi

BLOGS

Heidi Wicks blog

Steve Bartlett Sidetracked

Meeker on Media

Kenn Oliver sports blog

CLASSIFIEDS / JOB ADS
Telegram Classifieds
Merkado.ca Classifieds
Workopolis
brouze.com

COMMUNITY LINKS
TV Listings
Airport Info
Flight Tracker
Movie Listings
Road Conditions & Traffic Cameras
The 2009 Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge
Tely 10 Road Race
Tely Jr. Golf Tour
Mile One Centre
Access St. John's
Interactive Lottery Guide
Daily Sudoku
Metrobus Public Transit
MUN Seahawks
MLS Real Estate
Rotary Read-A-Long
Creative Book Publishing

CIRCULATION
Subscribe to The Telegram
SmartEdition - what is SmartEdition?
Be A Telegram Carrier

Today's Front Cover

Cuffer Prize rules 2009

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Jobs at the Telegram

CONTESTS

Fantasy Cup Hockey Challenge

LOCAL NEWS View comments (32) | View latest comment |   Local News RSS Feed
Last updated at 3:12 PM on 13/10/09  

Update: Coombs lawyer says should be another name draw Breaking News print this article

The Telegram

Kurtis Coombs speaks with reporters following a judicial recount in the Paradise election.— Photo by Gary Hebbard/The Telegram
Kurtis Coombs speaks with reporters following a judicial recount in the Paradise election.— Photo by Gary Hebbard/The Telegram

Having his name drawn out of a recycling bin has seated Ralph Wiseman in the mayor’s chair at the town of Paradise.
A judicial recount in provincial court found that a tie in votes stands.
Judge David Orr thus turned the situation back in the hands of the town’s returning officer who indicated the draw of names stands and Wiseman will be sworn in as mayor — as well as the rest of council — tonight.
Kurtis Coombs initially won the election on Sept. 29 by three votes, but a recount in the town resulted in a tie in votes. Wiseman then won the mayor’s seat in a draw of names that caused much debate among residents of the town.
Coombs lawyer Eli Baker said their interpretation of the law is that there has to be another draw of names following a judicial recount.
Coombs himself said he would ultimately prefer another election, though they will take the legal fight as far as they can. He said he’ll be at tonight’s council meeting.
Wiseman said he will make a statement tonight at the town hall.

13/10/09  


Comments:
This Conversation is Moderated. What is moderation?

Mike from NL writes: Coombs could have come out of this looking like gold, by taking the higher ground and coming back in 4 years time with another campaign. Instead, he is beginning to look much like a spoiled child. His lawyer, mother, and others that surround him should be doing him a favour, and tell him to take it like a man already. We know the system and outcome suck... tough! Suck it up and stop looking like a sore loser.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:21 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
SteveB from NL writes: how can she choose if it stands or not. What if she doesnt even like coombs for some reason, then she can simply say the last draw stands, how do we know wiseman didnt pay her off ?
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:25 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Nathan Barnes from Paradise, NL writes: The residents of Paradse did not elect the returning officer to decide for us who should be mayor. Placing this decision in her hands once again is undemocratic and devalues the entire purpose of casting a ballot.

There should be another election and amendments made to the Municipal Elections Act.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:25 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Don from NFLD writes: Nothing short of another election will resolve this issue.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:31 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Calvin from Newfoundland writes: Oh boy, now we get to hear about how Wiseman won this election fare and square for the second time. Another Vote would settle this matter once and for all.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:32 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Nasty Nate from St Johns, NL writes: Give it up. It is over. Go to school. You bought a recount, you can not by another lottery ticket for four years.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:32 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Mark from ON writes: While the wording of ss. 64 and 65 of the Act leaves something to be desired, the intent seems to be that there be a drawing of names only if the judicial recount changes the previous results to a tied outcome, thereby necessitating a draw of names as in s. 60.
To accept the interpretation proposed in the article, one would likewise accept the interpretation that every declaration of a winner can result in another judicial recount, meaning this would never end, as each moser of the draw could subsequently demand a recount, thereby creating another opportunity to win the election by lot.
It's over. Time for folks to move on.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:39 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Mike from Newfoundland writes: I am most disappointed in the judge not to fully resolve this case one way or the other.

Rather than taking judicial responsibility he turned it back to the returning officer.

He should have made a firm ruling either a re-draw, re-vote or that the original draw stood.

Instead he abdicated his responsibility by letting the returning officer make the decision.

Let me she, she works with the mayor, hmmm she can call the shots, no conflict of interest there.

Very Very disappointed in the judge in not putting this to bed legally.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:41 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Mark from ON writes: Mike - what on earth are you talking about? The judge resolved this according to the letter of the law. In upholding the returning officer's decision, and verifying the vote count he did EXACTLY what he was supposed to do - what the law requires of him.
That's what judges do. Freelancing isn't really an option here.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:47 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
CBS mom from NL writes: The people of Paradise had their chance to vote the first time around and didn't. Now you have to pay the price. It is what it is. For all those people in Paradise who didn't vote the first time - why should you get to vote now just because you didn't like the outcome?
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:47 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
albert from Paradise, nl writes: Now Mr.MadHatter seeing your name was drawn out of a hat. Get on with busniess. Some proper collecter roads to free up the mess called Topsail Road. No more subdivisions approved until proper roads are constructed to move the traffic. 20 years of approving subdivisions not one improvement in traffic flow. Wait until the school opens on Karwood then you will have a mess!!!!!!!
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:49 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
What Democracy from NL writes: I am ashamed!
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:51 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Craig from Torbay, NL writes: That is it, over!

Why have another draw? Coombs said he was against the draw in the first place but now that the recound didn't go in his favour now he is in favour of the draw. Yes my son you are destined to be a politician, if you don't like the results try and chnage the rules to something that suits you better. sounds like what they do in places like Iran and China.

The draw was legitimate, both names went in and one came out. The problem is with the rules but you can't change the rules after the election. I don't agree with the whole thing but in terms of this election being over I would have to say it is.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 3:52 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
San To from NL writes: Mr. Coombs is just going to have to wait until the next election, in 4 years. Lets just hope that the people of Paradise remember this, and they ALL get out and vote, perhaps if more had voted, this wouldn't have happened.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 4:08 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Telling it Like it Is from St. Johns, NL writes: They should change the name of Paradise to Florida
Posted 13/10/2009 at 4:12 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
rowdy piper from bonavista, nl writes: wow he looks like he lost quite a bit of weight?? oh well kurtis you will gain it back now that your dungeons and dragons marathons can commence. stay at home,eat your mommys cooking,find yourself a girlfriend and come back next election. the mayors seat is there waiting for u.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 4:17 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Joe from St. Johns, NL writes: Coombs Lawyer is wrong. I have to agree with Mark for ON here, the judge ruled as he should; the the election was tied, and it is up to the electoral officer (who was apparently acceptable to both parties) to decide the winner as per the rules as they were written. This was done. Mr. Wiseman should be mayor for the next 4 years, and maybe he can use that time to repair the rift that has obviously developed with the voters in Paradise.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 4:31 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Al from NL writes: I'm glad I don't live in Paradise - it would mean I'd have to look at and listen to Ralph Wiseman strutting his stuff for the next four years. I wouldn't mind it if he wasn't being all smug, as if he had won a clear majority - he's going to have to prove himself a lot over the next four years, that's for sure.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 4:44 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Smotherin from NL writes: Be a gentleman....accede defeat and run again next time around.......or should there be a best 2 out of 3 ????
Posted 13/10/2009 at 4:46 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Taxpayer from NL writes: I don't think either one of these guys would make much of a difference to what actually happens in Paradise. The council will vote, and all the subdivisions will be approved. I just thought that it was a nice reminder that not all 19 year olds in Paradise are going around burning down houses, and doing B and Es to support thier drug habits. At times I forget that there are still young people out there with more on their minds than getting high and beating up personal property and playgrounds.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 4:50 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Wait... What? from St. JOhns, NL writes: So the draw was archaic when little Kurtis lost, but now that the judicial recount tells the same story he WANTS another draw!!

Time this kid grows up. I guess he still has allot to learn from Mommy about trying to use the system. What's next Kurtis, the Supreme Court of Canada to be laughed out of?

Waste someone else's time for a change. You and Mommy lost.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 5:27 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
From Paradise from Nl writes: WOW some of these comments are so nasty. All those ppl who are hooked on the mommy this and that I assume are just jealous that at 19 they didn't have the knowledge or sense to run for class president let alone mayor. Good for you Kurtis whatever happens you stood up for your rights and hopefully when it is all said and done if your bottom an't in the chair this time around next time it will be....BUT GOD HELP US for the next 4 years.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 5:37 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Tim from St. Johns, NL writes: This kid is really starting to bother me. First he thought the idea of a drawing for mayor was stupid. Now that he lost a bunch of money and wasted people's time and tax payers money he come out and wants another drawing. Then he changed his mind in the course of an hour to say a new election is needed if they can not bend the rule of law. I really think they need to better screen those that run for office as well as family members. They do it for other federal security clearance, what difference is political office? This family has used and abused the court system far too much, thus can not be trusted to show neutral leadership and direction.

The law is very cut and dry folks. It was at the judges discretion, and he took the first draw as he should have done under the law. Kurtis lost any and all respect he might have held by grasping at straws to buy the mayor's chair to do the bidding of his family and nothing more.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 5:47 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
don from nl writes: Good.I hope that little twerp goes away now. God are they ever annoying. Give it up boy. Your looking like a big sook.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 5:59 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
maureen from st johns, newfoundland writes: This is just another joke in this election in Paradise, if it was the same amount of votes again for each man then they should have done the same as they did the first time even though it was stupid, pulling the name out of whatever they pulled it out.
thank god i do not live in Paradise because i know if i did i would not let this go and i would not give up until real justice was done.
It all sounds very fishy to me .
If i was Kurtis i would not give up on this even if it takes the next four years to get it straightened out.
Why can they decide know with the tie they did today but had picked the name out of the hat or whatever when they first tied, it all sounds like dirty politics to me.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 6:13 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Truth Teller from St. John's, NL writes: Of course they'll fight it as long as it takes in court. That's what they do.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 6:21 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Tim Wheres my vote from NL writes: What does Ward 2 St. John's and Paradise have in common? Dinosaurs rule! Sadly.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 6:31 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
W Bagg from NL writes: So why do we need judges? To count and hand out sentences based on precedent.

I can do that for alot cheaper than a judges salary. NO creativity, or common snese needed, just counting skills and be able to read what other judges sentenced criminals to in the past.

Seems like a great gig if you can get it.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 7:10 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
jo blo from nl writes: Here here Mr. Taxpayer at least there are young people out there who care for their community
Posted 13/10/2009 at 7:11 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
John from NL writes: RE: Joe from St. Johns, NL writes: Coombs Lawyer is wrong.
Sorry Joe, but you're wrong.
They are going to have to draw from the hat again after the latest recount. Mr. Coombs lawyer is correct, or the election is not official. If Coombs goes to court on this point they're going to be forced to make another draw. At the end of the last count, they had to by legislation, decide by a draw. Remember this is a new count, and to make it legal they have to draw again. Now this time Coombs may win, and then Wiseman will be in court demanding another election. Better still, have another election now and save alot of time. Or make them both Mayor.
Posted 13/10/2009 at 8:08 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
Anon from NL writes: Well folks thats it, we had a judicial recount and it still comes down to a coin toss? And were trying to force democoracy down the throats of afghanistan? hell we should just let them take 10 paces each with an ak-47 and be done with it.
Posted 14/10/2009 at 1:03 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
tommy toe from st.john's, nl writes: I am not from the municipality.

I am certainly no fan of Ralp Wiseman a former MHA hack.

But the count was correct.

The judge did what he was asked and paid to give.

Time for Coombs to shut up and get past it.He will get another chance in 4 years.

The minicipal section should be changed so that in future a new election is called in matters of this nature.

I am from St.John's and sick of this out of town burb municapilities being hang a -shores.

Merge them all with the city for more efficiency.

The present government led by Danny should do this now.

I am sick of the continuous media coverage on this.

MMove on.
Posted 14/10/2009 at 5:29 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment
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.

Comments Closed


 
Recent local news:




Past local news :

February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009
August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009
February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008
August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008
February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007
August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007
February 2007

 






Weblocal - Search. Find. Share.

Are you searching for a product, a service or a local company?

Search

The Telegram   Video-on-Demand
Plan for Woolworths property gets warm reception
Plan for Woolworths property gets warm reception
Update on Danny Williams surgery
Update on Danny Williams surgery
Breast cancer decision postponed
Breast cancer decision postponed
view all | submit video
TNM

Road Cams
Foxtrap
Paddyspond
Goobies

Raise a Reader

CanWest Spelling Bee

NIE Program



Canadian Living Recipe of the day
Recipe of the day
Rocky Road Cheesecake
Rocky Road Cheesecake
More >>







The Telegram
A division of Transcontinental Media Inc.
Village Shopping Centre, 430 Topsail Road
Box 86 - St. John's, NL - A1E 4N1
Contents of this website are copyright © The Telegram
e-mail us at telegram@thetelegram.com


Click here to view our privacy policy.

A Transcontinental Media, Local Solutions Group site

This site is part of the Transcontinental Media Network


Daily Newspapers:
Nova Scotia: Amherst Daily News; Cape Breton Post; The News (New Glasgow); Truro Daily News.
Prince Edward Island: Journal Pioneer (Summerside); The Guardian (Charlottetown).
Newfoundland & Labrador:The Telegram (St. John’s); The Western Star (Corner Brook).
Saskatchewan: Moose Jaw Times-Herald; Prince Albert Herald.
Weeklies and Specialty Publications:
Nova Scotia: The Advance; The Hants Journal; The Kings County Register; Kentville Advertiser; The Annapolis County Spectator; The Yarmouth County Vanguard; The Digby County Courier; The Shelburne County Coast Guard; The Citizen; Nova Scotia Business Journal; Burnside News; Farm Focus; Springhill Record; Bedford Sackville Weekly News; Dartmouth Cole Harbour Weekly News; Halifax West Clayton Park Weekly News; Halifax News Net; The Atlantic Construction & Transportation Journal
New Brunswick: Sackville Tribune Post; ENBusiness.
Newfoundland & Labrador:The Charter; The Southern Gazette; The Compass; The Labradorian; The Aurora; The Beacon; The Pilot; The Packet; The Gulf News; The Coaster; The Georgian; The Nor’wester; The Advertiser; The Northern Pen.
Saskatchewan:Southwest Booster; SaskNewsNow; Coronach Triangle News; Grenfell Sun/Broadview Express; Oxbow Herald; Radville/Deep South Star.
Consumer Magazines:
Canadian Living; Elle Canada; Homemakers; More; Good Times; Canadian Gardening; Canadian Home & Country; Style at Home; Western Living; Ottawa at Home; Vancouver Magazine; TV Guide; The Hockey NewsMochasofaOccasions MagazineGolf Ontario StyleGolf EastGroup Travel Planner.
Services:
Weblocal; Merkado