Executive Dissertations: Mayors Galore-Ainlay

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Mayors Galore-Ainlay

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin., Lois Hole Public Library Terminal #XI, Edmonton, Alberta

September XXIVth, MMXXV

Hon. Demetrios Nicolaides, B. A., M. P. S., Ph. D., ECA, MLA, Minister of Education, United Conservative, Calgary-Bow

Dear Demetrios:

Having taken part in citywide All Candidates Debates at Harry Ainlay High School when I ran for City Council in the past, as well as watched them, & watching a Mayoral Debate there, I find XXIInd Mayor Of Edmonton Harry Dean Ainlay, a teacher by profession quite interesting. Harry served as an Alderman & as Mayor. In his MCMXLVII win it should be noted that the term length for Mayor was first expanded to a 2 year length. Which is good because it's hard to get things done in a 1 year term when you have to start campaigning again as soon as you win. I also noticed many of these early elections were in December then November, far too cold & snowy. So I am glad City writs are now in October. Harry had Daylight Savings Time adopted in Edmonton but the rest of Alberta kept Standard Time as The Government Of Alberta didn't like Edmonton's changed & so legislated it back to standard time. But Harry got his way as Albertans voted in a plebiscite in MCMLXXI to adopt daylight time. Harry also ran for provincial & federal office but didn't get elected there but he was great at participating in democracy.

83 Years & 68 Days,

Rory

Source: Harry Dean Ainlay, XXIInd Mayor Of Edmonton, Party Affiliation: Labour & Civic Democratic Alliance & Cooperative Commonwealth Federation & United People's League & Progressive Civic Association.