Residents across the province have chosen and the ballots have been tallied. From city council to school board to regional district (RDKB), here are the results from the municipal election.
Votes were not official as of press time and we weren’t able to get in touch with all the candidates.
Grand Forks mayor
Brian Taylor has been re-elected as mayor of Grand Forks, garnering 641 votes over candidates Christine Thompson (400 votes) and Ann Gordon (138 votes).
Of the new council, Taylor stated they have a bright outlook considering the approval of the referendums.
“When you look at (the new council), they have a wide variety of opinions on a lot of things but I think they’re a pretty solid council,” he said.
The first referendum question asked residents if the city could borrow money to improve the water supply for fire protection, whereas the second asked to borrow money to improve the aging infrastructure.
The approval of both referendums will allow updates to the aging infrastructure and Taylor pointed out that the city would need to look into partnerships with the federal and provincial government.
“I need to thank the community for putting us in a position to go forward and negotiate for them with the two other levels of government,” said Taylor. “We’re in the middle of winter so it’s going to be hard to do much but get ready for spring.”
Taylor also served as mayor of Grand Forks from 1997 to 1999.
Grand Forks city council
Re-elected for a second term, Cher Wyers took the lead early on in the polls.
“I’m confident now seeing that the electorate has given me so much confidence in office,” said Wyers.
“I’m looking forward to moving ahead with the infrastructure referendum and the emergency water flow referendum. Both received excellent support from the community as well.”
Newly-elected Bob Kendel stated the new council would look “onward and upward.” As a fresh face on council, Kendel is up for the task.
“I wouldn’t say I have more sway,” said Kendel, “but I would certainly support any initiatives (for agriculture) to that end.”
Another fresh face is Gary Smith.
“I think it’s awesome (to be elected into council),” said Smith.
“I think it’s a good team and we’re going to get stuff done.”
Smith is looking forward to discussing the economic development task force, as well as addressing the issue of deer.
“I want to thank the community for all their support,” he stated.
Neil Krog, Michael Wirischagin and Patrick O’Doherty were also elected to the council.
Area C and D RDKB directors
Irene Perepolkin was re-elected as Area D director for the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary while Grace McGregor took Area C by acclamation.
Perepolkin took 325 votes, Teresa Taylor took 118, Brian Johnson took 118, Dave Johnson took 68 and Ken Johnston took 30.
Greenwood Mayor and council
Nipper Kettle barely beat out Jim Nathorst in the race for mayor of Greenwood by a final count of 200 to 196.
Colleen Lang stepped down from being mayor to win a seat as a councillor with 222 votes. New faces to the council include Darla Ashton who received 235 votes, Barry Noll with 204 votes and Lee Cudworth with 191 votes.
School District 51 trustees
Returning to School District 51’s board of trustees, by acclamation in Area E – Kettle Valley West, Vicki Gee is happy to see a mix of new and old faces.
“I’m looking forward to change,” said Gee.
Two issues that Gee thinks needs to be addressed are technology and transparency.
“There are two really hot issues right now. One of them is the development of the technology plan. We keep spending money but we don’t have a plan,” explained Gee.
“The second is to address the concerns about our lack of transparency.”
Transparency has been an issue raised several times during meetings, mainly about how trustees vote for each motion.
Ken Harshenin, who was re-elected as trustee for the City of Grand Forks, added underfunding, special education and the current teacher job action also are issues.
Harshenin said like all new boards or councils, even with change, everything will carry on.
“In some cases it may be a bit of catch up for the new trustees,” he said. “You don’t just walk into a new system and know everything.”
Newly elected Cindy Strukoff is also excited.
Strukoff edged out incumbent Sally Garcelon by 39 votes to become trustee for Area C - Christina Lake.
“I’ve been working in the school district since my children entered school over 14 years ago,” said Strukoff. “What I’ve always wanted to do is bring in more community involvement and having the community involved in the school system.
“I know all the trustees, since I’ve worked with everybody with my involvement with the DPAC (district parent advisory council) so I believe we’ll make a good team.”
Cathy Riddle retains her position as trustee for Area E - Kettle Valley East with 74 more votes than Deborah Baker, who garnered 186.
Teresa Rezansoff and Harshenin return as trustees with 779 and 532 votes respectively – bypassing David Grootjes who received 404 – as representatives in the City of Grand Forks.
David Reid was elected by acclamation as trustee for Area D - Rural Grand Forks and Rose Zitko to Area E - Kettle Valley North was elected, also by acclamation.