Elections for District 5 Councillor this weekend

SIX NATIONS — Two candidates are preparing for a one district by-election this weekend to take the place of the late District 5 Councillor Robert (Bob) E. Johnson.

Johnson, who served as the director of Gane Yohs community health centre for more than 30 years before his term with Six Nations Elected Council, passed in December 2017.

Johnson was a veteran of the Vietnam War, the Director of Gane Yohs for over 30 years and actively involved with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 as well as the Hagersville and the Six Nations Veterans Association.

To fill his shoes will be a big job. Now, District 5 must choose between two candidates — Kerry Dean Bomberry and Nick Wilson Wyman.

Bomberry was nominated by Cecil K. Davis and the nomination seconded by Philip A. Monture.

Wyman was nominated by Loreen H. Harris and the nomination seconded by Tracy L. Newman.

Bomberry served as a District 2 Councillor on SNEC in 1984 for one term and another two terms in District 6 through to 1990 — bringing six years of experience to his campaign.

Bomberry tells TRT he quickly realized he could not give both ironworking and politics 100% so, faced with a choice he devoted his time to his trade for a total of 38 years with Local 736 out of Hamilton.

He says his policy is to “listen to the people, be truthful, honest and open” in his campaign materials.

In contrast, this is Wyman’s first nomination for a seat on the Elected Council.

Wyman spoke to the TRT briefly about his journey running for the council.

“I am most known for my time at CKRZ co-hosting a radio show with my mother, Rosanne Wyman,” said Wyman.

Wyman may also be recognized for his earlier work as a wrestler and served as a volunteer with the Miles to Go Cancer Support Group.

Wyman says his policy is to “stand up and fight for your rights and for your voice.”

During the last election in 2016, a total of 323 District 5 residents came out to vote. Running in that election were Robert E. Johnson, Hazel Johnson and Evan Thomas with the first two being appointed to serve on Six Nation’s 57th Elected Council.

In order to vote, residents must be registered band members living in District 5 and 18 years old or older.

Off-reserve band members who can prove a history of family residency within District 5 may also participate in this by-election.

District 5 includes property on Fifth Line from Tuscarora Road to Oneida Road; Fourth Line from Onondaga Road to Oneida Road; Third Line from Onondaga Road to Oneida Road; Second Line from Onondaga Road to Oneida Road and First Line from Cayuga Road to Oneida Road.

Voting will take place at the Six Nations Elected Council Central Administration Building, 1695 Chiefswood Road in the village of Ohsweken on Saturday, February 24, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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