If the results of Monday’s (Oct. 21) municipal election for council are any indication, it shows community members in Canmore have placed a vote of confidence in their incumbent local politicians.
Returning Councillor Sean Krausert received 2,351 votes, Joanna McCallum 2,320 and Vi Sandford 2,310 – a clear majority in votes for their second terms.
Esmé Comfort and Rob Seeley were elected as first-time council members with 2,083 and 1,725 votes respectively, while longtime local Ed Russell was elected for his third term with 1,561 votes.
“The electorate clearly had an idea as to whom they wanted on council in terms of the incumbents and that was reflected clearly on the ballots,” McCallum said on Wednesday (Oct. 23).
She said she was happy voters came out in droves on Monday, with 3,350 out of an approximate 8,900 eligible voters casting ballots for a 38 per cent turnout.
“I was actually really worried about what the voter turnout would be because we have had five elections in three years,” McCallum said, referring to recent provincial, federal and municipal byelections. “But people were clear – they came out to vote, got their message across and were clear in their support.”
Sandford said while campaigning she got the impression many people in the community knew who she was as a returning councillor and expressed their support.
“I think all the incumbents campaigned hard and I think we all made a real effort to get out in the community and speak to people,” she said. “I think the four of us were recognized by the community for the job we have done on the previous council and we also worked hard to get where we were.”
Voters satisfied with the work council has done, especially over the last year with the opening of Elevation Place and response to the flood, have shown confidence in returning council members’ ability to handle future decisions, according to Krausert.
“I think the electorate resoundedly stated they are happy with the direction we are going, given the support that they gave incumbents in this election,” he said. “I take it as a vote of confidence from the voters in the skill sets I bring to council and actions I have taken since elected.”
New council member Comfort said she was elated and validated to receive the support she did from voters.
The new position also means Canmore’s council has gender balance, with three women and three male councillors at the table.
“I think that is a good dynamic and I am excited about it,” Comfort said. “I think we have a good team and we all understand it is going to take working together to get things done.”
Colleen Critchley narrowly missed out on a council spot with 1,543 votes, while James Louden received 389 and Larry Shellian 1,083 votes.
Council will undergo a two-day orientation this week and be sworn in Friday (Oct. 25) at 5 p.m. in council chambers.
All election results are considered unofficial until noon Friday, when they will be posted by the returning officer on the Town’s website.
