Jim Ogston

Jim Ogston is a Canadian politician from Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Jim Ogston is known for leading a group that fought against the city's proposed adult bylaw. The bylaw would have restricted the right for businesses to sell pornography. At times he has unfairly been described as the "pro-pornography" candidate. The proposed restrictions were mainly that stores or businesses whose primary activities were adult in nature should be located in industrial areas of the city, away from residences and schools. There would also be a limitation on how close they could be together to avoid creating an "adult" district. Ultimately, the forces led by Ogston were defeated and the restrictions were made into law.

Ogston's opposition to the law were not based on any pro-pornography beliefs but what was perceived as a flaw in how the law was enacted. Mr Ogston claims that counsel had ignored what was supposted to be a free and open public discussion on the matter but instead decided to enact a bylaw that would affect certain businesses without first giving those businesses a chance to make their case. Thus, his argument isn't pro porn but pro open debate. Porn just happened to be the issue at hand. The team lead Ogston never considered itself as "pro-pornography."

Groups in favour of the bylaw restricting the sale of adult material felt that free choice was not being limited. The pornographic items would still be for sale. However, the pro-bylaw groups felt that community standards were being enforced and that pornographic materials or businesses should not be located near schools or homes. Their argument was that living next to an adult store or having your children go to school near one could be bothersome for some people, so that by restricting this good community standards would be reinforced.

2004 Civic Elections

Ogston ran for council in Medicine Hat in 2001 and was defeated. In 2004 he ran again and was again defeated, finishing well out of the running. Ogston was in the bottom third of candidates for total votes gained. His stance on the pornography/opendebate issue failed to capture the voters' backing and instead candidates who had supported the bylaw were returned to office. Thus, it would appear that most of the citizens of Medicine Hat have embraced the restrictions on pornography and agree with limiting where adult businesses can be located in Medicine Hat.

2007 Civic Elections

Ogston made a third attempt in as many elections for alderman. He ran on a campaign that contained a number of initiatives including green energy, business development and affordable housing. However a constant theme of his campaign was the CAPCS issue that was a major effort of his past battles. The difference was the CAPSC issue had instead become the focus of improper application of government procedure, a council that was not acting with transparacy as well as one which was wasting time on non important issues, something Ogston had fought for all along. Despite his best effort he again finished in the bottom third of candidates with 16 candidates finishing ahead of him. This was the third consecutive defeat for Ogston. Ogston has declared this is his last attempt. His statement from the Medicine Hat News on Oct 17 2007 is as follows:

After a third attempt for an aldermanic seat, Jim Ogston said he’s made his point and “it’s not whether you win or lose, it is how you play the game.”

Link to Medicine Hat News Article: http://www.medicinehatnews.com/article_7383.php

References

[http://www.medicinehatnews.com/stories/election2007/article_6892.php Frustration fueling Ogston’s run at council]