Phew. It’s over and now it’s another four years until the community will be electing another mayor, city council and school board trustees. I must admit to being a bit of an election junkie. After all who doesn’t like a race? And unlike many things about politics which tend to operate in shades of grey, elections are concrete, black-and-white interpretations of the will of the voters.
It was disappointing once again to see turnout so low.
This year’s elections only drew 38 per cent of people to the polls compared with 39 per cent in the 2011 elections. There were 5,082 ballots cast for the city elections out of a possible 13,393.
Although Salmon Arm’s numbers hover around the provincial average, it is still disappointing to me that we could not do better.
While I’m a notoriously poor prophet when it comes to election results, this year there were some safe bets. It was no surprise to anyone that Alan Harrison topped the polls for council. The perennially popular politician and principal (try saying that four times in a row) secured more votes than anyone, including the mayor. It’s hard not to like his reasonable, well-thought-out positions, combined with his tendency to be pretty conservative with the taxpayer’s dollars. It’s a formula that has paid dividends for years. The other two incumbents, Chad Eliason and Ken Jamieson, also handily won their posts back. Incumbents have an advantage in all elections, but it was clear the voters appreciated their solid work thus far.
While I was not personally surprised by Nancy Cooper’s win, as I thought Debbie Cannon and Marty Bootsma would split the vote, the margin of her victory was significant.
Cooper has had her critics. She’s been called namby-pamby and inefficient. But say what you want about her – Nancy Cooper shows up. She meets people, she cuts ribbons, she shakes hands and constantly expresses appreciation for the efforts of others. She appears approachable and willing to listen.
It’s like governance by group hug.
Mayor Cooper may be less controversial than Salmon Arm mayors of yore, but this inclusive style clearly resonated with Salmon Arm voters.
During the fast and furious posting of election numbers, the three remaining council spaces were difficult to predict. Ultimately, the community voted to add a diversity of voices. Louise Wallace Richmond, the lone female councillor, is arguably the most left-leaning, the sole member to live in Canoe and a champion of arts and culture. Kevin Flynn is known for his outspoken, brash style (including a few fist pumps at the community centre when it became clear he would win a slot) and a strong fiscal management position. Newly retired teacher Tim Lavery clearly won votes with his emphasis on making thoughtful, well researched decisions. Should be interesting times at the table.
I want to take the opportunity to congratulate those who also putt their names forward but were unsuccessful. Choice is important and it is not an easy task to put yourself out in front of the community and face the tally. You all deserve our appreciation.
