George Doubt decisively won the City of Powell River by-election on Saturday, April 6, with more than double the votes of his nearest competitor.
According to the final tally of the preliminary by-election results, Doubt won with 1,199 votes, followed by Allan Drummond with 577 and Alan Rebane with 271.
“It’s really nice that it was a decisive count here tonight,” said Doubt after the by-election results were posted. “I’m really pleased with what the City of Powell River has done.”
Doubt campaigned extensively around the city prior to the civic election in October of last year, and after his election was overturned by the Supreme Court in January, he kept up the extensive door knocking and talking to people, with his efforts evidenced by the results.
The by-election was triggered after the October civic election, where Doubt was proclaimed the winner of the sixth seat on council by a two-vote margin over Drummond. A court action was launched by Drummond to contest the seat after he alleged voter irregularities. The court ordered a new election for the vacated seat, which was held on April 6.
Doubt said he is geared up to resume his responsibilities on council.
“I have been going to all of the council meetings and the regional district meetings while I’ve been out of office and I’ve been dying to get back in it,” said Doubt. “I want to get back to the table and try to make a difference. I have been staying up on the issues.
“I’m ready just as soon as the mayor is ready to swear me in. I’m thrilled. This is the end of quite a few months of hard work. I’m glad the citizens of Powell River came out and voted and made a clear decision.”
