by Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 07/97) - City hall is considering producing a handbook to prevent a repeat of the confusion that arose election night, Oct. 20.

"It would be a good idea to have steps outlined in a policy manual," said rookie Ald. Robert Slaven.

He made the comment Tuesday at council's financial, legislative and administrative committee meeting.

City administrator Doug Lagore said the city is looking to have a handbook in place for the next election.

The confusion surfaced when a city radio station declared mayoral candidate Matthew Grogono the unofficial winner based on results from a scrutineers. Subsequent numbers gave incumbent Dave Lovell the win.

A recount confirmed Lovell's victory.

As a result, criticism was levelled at the city for not releasing results fast enough.

Civic election results were not withheld, Lagore said.

"There is no truth (to suggestions) that results were withheld.... I personally was accused of that, even though I was out of town," Lagore said.

A computer glitch, which failed to add an advance poll, was blamed.

The availability of the results was consistent with past elections, a city hall spokesperson said.

The committee is chaired by alderman Bob Brooks and includes aldermen Peggy Near and Slaven.