Terry Miller is the new city councillor of Rossland.
Preliminary results of the Rossland byelection have Miller winning the election over Fletcher Quince by a margin of 600 votes to 213.
“First of all, I’m relieved and thankful,” said Miller. “I think we had, from my perspective, a very good turnout, given that it was a byelection and we’re in the middle of a global pandemic. So I’m really thrilled with the turnout and happy with the result.”
Advance voting at Miners Hall on Nov. 18 and Nov. 25 had given Miller a 317 to 107 lead, before the final voting day on Saturday, Nov. 28, when Miller emerged with 283 votes to Qunice’s 106. The preliminary results were released Saturday night just after 10 p.m.
Miller, a long time Rossland resident, works as an emergency preparedness coordinator for Interior Health.
He has a wealth of experience working with the city and is currently on the Official Community Planning steering committee and was part of the Sustainability Commission from 2009-2017.
“I think I’m known around town for the things I’ve tried to move forward,” said Miller. “I think people looked at me as someone who could work well with others and be a good listener, as well as bring some experience to the table. And that probably carried the day.”
His familiarity with council members and issues dear to Rosslanders combined with his experience working with community groups and event organizers will undoubtedly prove an asset.
“I know some of the people quite well and I’m looking forward to working with everybody. I’ve sat in on quite a few council meetings in the last six months to try get a better sense of the flow of things, and it looks like there is a lot of healthy open debate. People are free to express their ideas and concerns and it seems like a really solid working group, and I look forward to sliding into that seventh spot.”
The byelection was scheduled for earlier this year to replace outgoing councillor Scott Forsyth, who resigned in January, however, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed it for months.
Miller will serve out the remaining two years of the municipal council’s cycle, and looks forward to joining six other council members and Mayor Kathy Moore at Rossland’s upcoming council meeting.
“I expect there will be some type of swearing in, plus a bit of an orientation,” said Miller. “I know one of the other councilors said there are good resources available to bring rookie councillors up to speed. So I am looking forward to doing my homework and getting in the game as soon as possible.”
The process of running Rossland’s byelection went fairly smoothly with mandatory masks required for the more than 800 voters turning out over three days during a pandemic. Miller also congratulated the effort of opponent Fletcher Quince.
“Thanks to Fletcher for letting his name stand as well, and the people who manned the Miners Hall during the vote. It’s important to acknowledge those people who put in a bunch of hours to let this democratic process unfold, so thanks to them.”
Related read: Two Rosslanders outline their vision as next city councillor
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