Many wanted a change, and boy, did they get it on Saturday night.
Governments on the Sunshine Coast look a lot different following the municipal election.
The biggest change is in Sechelt, where only two incumbents survived (councillors Warren Allan and Keith Thirkell), while Mayor Cam Reid and councillors Ed Steeves and Mike Shanks were defeated. Darren Inkster has been given the task, as new mayor, to help lead and shape the community of Sechelt. Inkster has a tough job on his hands. He has to lead a council with four new faces through an official community plan review, the implementation of the Vision Plan, several development proposals, the construction of a new sewer treatment plant - all under tough financial times - while also trying to keep the District's books in order and keeping taxes in line. No small task.
With Steeves ousted in Sechelt, it brings about a dramatic change at the regional district, too, as Steeves is no longer board chair. Only one newly elected face sits at the table, as Eric Graham takes over from Pender/Egmont director John Rees. So who gets the top job at the SCRD, you ask? Our money is on current vice-chair Donna Shugar. Shugar has shown great leadership capabilities, has made some sound decisions and, given the fact that she won by acclamation in Roberts Creek, shows that her constituents have great faith in her too. Another possibility is returning Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk, who narrowly edged out Gerry Tretick for the top seat on Gibsons council Saturday night. It's still to be decided by council, with three returning councillors Chris Koopmans, LeeAnn Johnson and Bob Curry, whether Janyk will be the designate at the board table, but that looks pretty likely.
Speaking of Gibsons, this council, too, has work to do. Janyk must mend some fences and bring the community together. Being re-elected by only 34 votes is not an indication of an overwhelming mandate, in our book. It shows that residents in Gibsons are divided on many issues regarding development, the economy, business and environment, and it will be up to Janyk and council to bring all those factors together to move the community forward.
In fact, that message can be sent to all our governments. The election was brutal and at times very personal with attacks by residents and the candidates themselves. For the next term, we need all our elected officials to work together and work with all residents in every community to ensure that the Sunshine Coast moves forward in a progressive and sustainable fashion we all can be proud of.
