Teunis Westbroek remains the only person this century who can call himself mayor of Qualicum Beach.
Westbroek won re-election Saturday with 2,901 votes, besting challenger Denyse Widdifield (1,597 votes). Westbroek was first elected in 1999, re-elected by acclamation in 2002 and won mayoral races in 2005, 2008 and 2011.
The voter turnout was huge in this election — 62 per cent (4,542 votes cast with an estimated 7,307 eligible voters)
“I’m impressed with the turnout,” Westbroek said Saturday night, adding that one of his top priorities will be to “unify the community.”
The town council Westbroek leads for the next four years will have a different look, and political make-up, then it did the last three sometimes-tumultuous years at town hall. Anne Skipsey topped the polls for council with 3,032 votes, followed by Barry Avis (2,547 votes), Neil Horner (2,165 votes) and Bill Luchtmeijer (2,049 votes). Luchtmeijer was the only incumbent councillor to win re-election as incumbents Mary Brouilette (1,732 votes) and Dave Willie (1,585 votes) were defeated.
“I think we will have a better chance at cohesiveness,” Westbroek said of the new council. “I want everyone to feel there’s a place for them. I want to thank councillors Mary Brouilette, Dave Willie and Scott Tanner for their three years of solid service. We had some opposing views, but I respect their opinions.”
Widdifield was gracious in defeat. “I want to thank the people who voted for me,” Widdifield said through an e-mail on Sunday. “We campaigned very hard and, looking back, I have no regrets for letting my name stand.”
“I want to congratulate Mr. Westbroek on his sixth term and wish him and the new council the very best for the next four years.”
Westbroek said there is a “good cross section”of the town’s population represented on the new council. He said he was “happy for the change” and mentioned the waterfront, school bus garage and safety (streets and sidewalks) as possibilities for the top priorities of the new council.
Skipsey, a newcomer to municipal politics who topped the polls Saturday, said she is “excited to work with this council.”
“I’m honoured so many people gave me the opportunity to speak and work for them,” said Skipsey. “We have a very exciting four years ahead of us.”
Avis makes a return to council after a failed bid as an NDP candidate in the last provincial election. “The results are pretty well what I expected,” Avis said Saturday night. “I’m happy to have the opportunity to serve on council again. I personally walked to 3,500 homes … I sensed there would be a significant change.”
Horner, another newcomer to council, also said he wasn’t surprised with the results.
“It’s a huge responsibility that’s been handed to me,” said Horner. “I’m happy with the composition of the team and I’m looking forward to working with them. It’s going to be a really positive team.”
Luchtmeijer, a former mayor, was the only incumbent to re-take his seat on council.
“Well, it wasn’t what I was expecting,” said Luchtmeijer. “Voters have spoken . . . we will live with what’s on the board. Qualicum Beach has a good history and good staying power.”
Mary Brouilette was one of the incumbents who lost her seat on Saturday.
“I am very proud of my work and accomplishments on behalf of our town over the past six years,” said Brouilette. “I hope the incoming council will continue to look forward and plan well for the benefit of Qualicum Beach.”
Dave Willie also lost his seat on council Saturday night.
“Qualicum Beach is a very special place and there is no doubt all of the candidates who put their names forward will endeavour to keep it that way,” said Willie. “I congratulate the winners and look forward to seeing their vision as they put their strategic plan together.”
Qualicum Beach voters also voted against expanding the size of their town council from four councillors to six councillors effective 2018 (3,090 against, 1,304 in favour).
The RESULTS
Mayor, Town of Qualicum Beach (x-elected)
Westbroek, Teunis — 2,901 votes – x
Widdifield, Denyse — 1,597 votes
Councillor, Town of Qualiucm Beach
Skipsey, Anne — 3,032 votes – x
Avis, Barry — 2,547 votes – x
Horner, Neil — 2,165 votes – x
Luchtmeijer, Bill — 2049 votes – x
Brouilette, Mary — 1,732 votes
Willie, David — 1,585 votes
Mustard, Len — 1,231 votes
Fraser, Dolores — 1,135 votes
LaMonte, Diana — 652 votes
