Incumbent mayor Barry Janyk is thrilled by the prospect of three more years leading Gibsons council.
Janyk was returned to office in Saturday's civic election, besting current Coun. Angela Letman 642 to 521 in the race for the mayor's chair.
"I feel almost numb," said Janyk on Tuesday when asked about his feelings about the campaign. "It was a tough campaign this time around. It seemed like the issues were less defined and the choices were a bit blurred. I think people voted on my record and voted with their hearts. I think my record spoke for itself and that was sufficient to give me the privilege to continue."
Janyk admitted that he didn't spend as much time on the campaign trail this time, which may have played a factor in the final vote total.
"I didn't have a campaign manager or a huge team," he said. "When you're balancing the day-to-day operations of the town, the work on the regional district and running for re-election, it's tough. Angela ran a hard-fought campaign. I congratulate her for that."
In a prepared statement and short follow-up phone interview, Letman was clearly disappointed by the result.
"I know there is a lot of support for me out there in the community," Letman said. "I wish to express my sincere thanks to the people of Gibsons for the support and encouragement I have felt over the past six years. A special thanks to all the town's employees for making this town such a great place to live."
Letman said she would continue to be active in the community.
When asked what her future political plans might be, Letman said she would be considering her options in the next year or so.
"I took the challenge and I'll learn from the experience," she added.
Joining Janyk at the council table are four new councillors. Topping the polls was Gerry Tretick with 856, Bob Curry had 716, Chris Koopmans 673 and LeeAnn Johnson 565. Alice Lutes was next with 406, followed by Marcia Forst, 284, Robert Tiffany, 259, and Bob Jones, 164.
According to elections' officer Jim Gordon, the voter turnout was just over 35 per cent.
Tretick said he was honoured to receive so much support. "I'm very pleased with the support I received and pleased with the council make-up," said Tretick. "I think we have a good balance between young and old with a lot of experience."
Curry said he's excited to get to work on the issues of the town, this time behind the table instead of a person advocating in front of council.
"We have a pretty full agenda ahead of us," Curry said. "The community centre is a top priority, as are the neighbourhood plans. We have a great group of councillors and I look forward to the challenge. Barry's leadership and experience will be a huge asset."
Koopmans also agreed that the community centre is a top priority.
"It's exciting to be working with such a diverse and interesting group of people," Koopmans said. "I hope I can bring experience on a diverse range of issues and serve the people of Gibsons well."
Johnson said she was delighted by the outcome and sees this as an exciting time in Gibsons.
"I hope we can have a good co-operative council. I think we're heading in a good direction," she said.
Janyk also said he was thrilled by the make-up of the new council.
"This is a dynamic group of individuals with integrity and heart. I feel it's going to be the best council I will be a part of," Janyk said.
