LEAD SASKATOON Futures Inc.

NEWS RELEASE
RE: LEAD SASKATOON CHALLENGE
CONTACT: Don Ravis, Spokesperson - 306-244-6204

October 19, 2009: Lead Saskatoon Issues Challenge to Regina

In an effort to boost interest in civic affairs and encourage voter turnout, Lead Saskatoon Futures Inc. is pitting Saskatoon voters against their Regina counterparts. Lead spokesperson Don Ravis says the group is calling it, "Vote for Your City." The winner of the challenge will be the city that realizes the greatest percentage of voter turnout in the October 28 civic elections.

"Although this is all in good spirit," says Ravis, "we hope the voters in both cities will understand the very serous message we’re trying to get across. Great cities are built through participation in the democratic process. We’re concerned that in this election, particularly in Saskatoon, the lack of contentious issues and, in some wards, the lack of candidates will result in a poor voter turnout. We want to drive home the message that voting is important. If you truly support your city and want to make it the very best place to live and work, then exercise your right to vote on the 28th."

Lead Saskatoon Futures Inc. was formed in 2003 by a group of Saskatoon citizens to generate greater interest and participation in Saskatoon’s civic elections. The group is entirely non-profit, and has never supported any candidate, financially or otherwise. "We just believe that when you get a strong turnout of voters, you make it much more definite as to what direction you want your Mayor and City Council to follow, and you give those elected a much stronger mandate. We don’t want people standing up at Council meetings claiming that they represent a majority of citizens, when in fact their claims cannot be substantiated. That’s why we hold elections. Make your views known, run for office, and truly let the citizens decide. Without question, the more people who vote, the clearer the voice of Saskatoon will be heard."

Ravis concluded by urging all Saskatoon voters to show their support for Saskatoon by voting on October 28, and directed people to www.saskatoon.ca for more information.

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