A new trustee has been elected to the Union Bay Improvement District.
Candidate Ted Haraldson won UBID’s election for one trustee position on Saturday, April 21.
Haraldson won the election with 274 votes, ahead of incumbent candidate Jim Elliot who garnered 242 votes.
He will join Rick Bitten, Susanna Kaljur, Glenn Loxam and board chair Peter Jacques on the UBID board of trustees.
According to his campaign material, Haraldson supports well-planned development, honesty and communication with Union Bay landowners, and having the UBID board work together for positive results despite differences of opinion.
“While I have been involved in decision making at many levels, my focus will be devoted to helping Union Bay move forward with the necessary infrastructure that will move Union Bay into a new era of prosperity,” said Haraldson.
“In addition to the water treatment facility that has been mandated by the province, the reality is that we need a new firehall. As a community, we have deadlines to meet and at the same time must look towards the future if we wish to build a community that will be seen as a destination for people of all ages to call home.”
Elliot said he wishes Haraldson the best as UBID’s new trustee.
“I wish Ted the best as a new trustee and hope the board can resolve some of the administrative issues on meeting procedures,” he said. “I do hope my message about financial accountability and transparency was heard and I will continue to work towards those things for our community.
“I haven’t decided if I would run again but will look at that when the time comes.”
UBID chief administrative officer Gord Mason said none of the 516 casted votes were spoiled or rejected. While Mason could not determine the eligible voter percentage, Union Bay has a population of roughly 1,200 people.
UBID is Union Bay’s local governing authority and provides street lighting, fire protection, and waterworks services to the small seaside community south of Courtenay.
