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In the 2010 mayoral race, Clive Doucet was described in the Citizen as having run “arguably the most passionate visionary campaign.” Alas, his campaign of ideas was not enough. It captured the imagination but not votes.

He lost because people don’t necessarily vote for the candidate with the best ideas or best plan. They often vote for the candidate they are most comfortable with, and Jim Watson ended up winning, ahead of incumbent Larry O’Brien and Doucet.

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But out of the blue eight years later, Doucet is back. He is answering the call once again, but this time, it seems, not out of a burning desire or conviction that he is the best man for mayor. “If there had been a great candidate to run against Mr. Watson, I would not be standing here,” he told the Citizen. “But it is very clear that unless I run, there will be no debate.”

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The city should appreciate Doucet jumping into the race. Months before the campaign began, many had been clamouring for a credible candidate to challenge Watson. That push was not out of a desire to defeat Watson. All said, Watson has kept the city on an even keel and hardly anyone would consider his re-election a setback. The point about wanting a challenger is that for the past eight years, discussion in the city has centred on what Watson thinks or says. Councillors are so weak, there is no alternative vision out there.