A bit of a commentary:

Congratulations to all the winners and to those who did not gain election – thanks for trying. Please run again as that is the mettle of a person who does not win the first time at bat.

To Mayor Pat Hampson – thank you for nine years of service to Oliver – three as Mayor. Other council leaders in the valley were defeated  as a result of their term of office – Wayne Lippert in Vernon and Sharon Shepherd in Kelowna.

This also sees the return of former politicians like Ron Hovanes in Oliver and Walter Gray in Kelowna. Both quality candidates.

A couple of surprises in Oliver – the amount of people that actually supported the road referendum. I and a lot of others voted it down. Needs some work.

The vote count in RDOS rural area C was very surprising with Director Alan Patton almost being defeated because of electoral apathy. Something is wrong when only 487 people make a mark on the ballots. I noticed this trend in other rural areas as well – very small vote count. In rural Oliver voter turnout 14.3%

On a personal note – I survived. Two others on council did not – I shall miss both Terry Schafer and Pat Hampson as working mates. The message to me was very clear.

I welcome Linda, David and Maureen to the council table for the next three years. It will be interesting with the table moving to the right in thinking – a more business like approach to the people’s civic government.

Thank you to all that trekked to the polls – I believe the voter turnout was increased over previous years at 44.2%. Heavy.

At least 1553 people attended the vote from the Town.

To School Trustees Tamela Edwards and new comer Rob Zandee I look forward to working with you.