A message from Powell River voters that propelled Dave Formosa to a third term as mayor was also reflected in results for City of Powell River council: stay the course.
“We've had a huge vote of confidence with such strong numbers and that holds a certain expectation that we don't miss a beat,” said returning councillor Rob Southcott.
Of the four incumbents who ran for the six seats on council, three received more than 3,000 votes, the first time in recent history that plateau had been exceeded. A mere 41 votes separated the top three.
CaroleAnn Leishman won her second term with 3,084 votes (63.7 per cent of ballots cast). Maggie Hathaway followed closely behind with 3,052 (63 per cent) and Southcott had 3,043 (62.8 per cent).
The fourth incumbent, Jim Palm, received 2,354 votes (48.6 per cent of ballots cast).
Two new councillors were elected: Cindy Elliott, with 1,842 votes (38 per cent) and George Doubt just edged out Allan Drummond by two votes, 1,776 to 1,774.
“It was close,” said Doubt. “Two votes is pretty close.”
Doubt said he intends to focus on a wide range of issues over the next four years.
“Making sure the finances are in order and making sure everyone has access to recreation opportunities and everything we have in our community,” said Doubt. “Part of that is bringing jobs into town.”
Two issues Elliott said she hopes to work on are the energy efficiencies of older buildings in Powell River and the shortage of affordable housing.
“I have some ideas around that I'm not quite ready to share yet,” said Elliott. “It's an issue that's tied to the landlord; we need to look at how it can be better to be a landlord. It comes down to helping manage the risks around being a landlord.”
Elliott will have lots of support from Hathaway, who has long championed the housing issue in Powell River.
Hathaway also said more needs to be done about the opioid crisis.
“No one is addressing it except a very small group; I want to get the entire community involved in fighting this crisis,” said Hathaway. “Nobody is talking about it. It needs to be talked about and that will be a big part of my goals in the next four years.”
Hathaway said this was her last election, as did Palm.
“This is going to be it,” said Palm. “These next four years with the crew that's coming back and the new blood, this is going to be a very exciting four years ahead.”
Energy and environmental sustainability will continue to occupy Leishman’s efforts.
“There are going to be some really exciting things happening in the next little bit,” said Leishman, adding that some announcements could come before the end of the year.
Southcott said he thinks there is a real common sense of values among Formosa, the four incumbent and two incoming councillors.
“The first priority will be strategic planning, exactly establishing what we feel as a group to be our priorities,” said Southcott. “This is a juncture where we really need to reassess what our real sense of priorities are.”
The new council will be sworn in on Tuesday, November 6.
