Patricia Pearson is North Saanich’s newest councillor.
In preliminary byelection results, Pearson led the pool of eight candidates vying for the open seat on council with 836 votes, beating her closest rival by 94 votes.
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She was followed by Del Elgersma with 742, Dorthy Hartshorne with 374, Arturo Huerta with 231, Tiffany Joseph with 167, Cam McLennan with 97, Scott McEachern with 29, and Rosemarie (Romi) Bongers with 17.
Following the result announcement, Pearson said she was in “disbelief at the beginning, then I went through all the emotions and now I’m excited to get underway.”
She ran a professional campaign, with some engaged supporters helping her efforts online and on doorsteps. Pearson ran on a green platform, noting her understanding and commitment regarding climate change issues and even highlighting how her house has solar panels.
During the North Saanich Residents Association debate, Pearson spoke of her experiences as a young mother and positioned herself as the candidate seeking the youth vote.
Speaking after her victory, Pearson said she initially hoped to learn about the job and reflect on what voters had told her on the campaign trail. After this period of pause, she intends to set her agenda, and balance issues raised by residents with her campaign priorities.
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Asked which issues she hoped would define her time in office, Pearson answered, “I think climate change will define me, it’s one of my big priorities, especially putting in some actions about greenhouse gas emissions. And I hope to really re-engage the community with our discussions.”
Voter turnout was approximately 26 per cent.
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