Airdrie voters wanted change and made their voices count during this year’s municipal election.
About 8,520 residents marked their ballot and just over 4,000, or 47.57 per cent, of those chose Peter Brown for mayor.
“I don’t know what to say, I am humbled by the numbers,” said Brown during his celebration at the Ron Ebbesen Arena on Oct. 18.
“I am looking forward to working with the City staff again. They are great people and we are going to get a lot done. To those of you who didn’t support me, I plan to work very hard to gain your trust and confidence over the next three years.”
Brown, former fund development manager with the City, took time to say a few words about the woman he will replace.
“I would like to recognize Mayor Linda Bruce for all she has done for the City. She should be really proud. She has always promoted Airdrie to other cities, the province and the country,” he said.
Bruce was visibly upset by the loss.
“It frustrates me because I think the misinformation about the tax increase really swayed people,” said Bruce. “It will probably be around the six per cent that I said so it is frustrating to know that. However, it was a fantastic, wonderful time. My service to the community doesn’t stop here, it will just take on a different form.”
Mayoral candidate Ross Mann also said he will continue to be a voice in the community.
“I will continue to stick up for local business and local residents,” he said.
“They need a voice and I will continue to campaign for them. I will hold the City’s feet to the fire.”
Mann said he is glad Brown was elected mayor because Airdrie needed a change.
“I will continue to be the voice of that change. I’ll be back,” he said.
Brown congratulated all of the alderman and everyone who ran for office.
Airdrie aldermanic incumbents Glenda Alexander, Kelly Hegg and Fred Burley, were re-elected to another term.
“I am relieved and very pleased that the residents trusted me to do this another time,” said Burley.
“I can work with anyone and there are a few new faces that I don’t know very well but I will get to know them.”
Hegg said he was honoured by the residents’ support and he hopes to live up to their expectations. Alexander was excited but said council members have their work cut out for them.
“We have a lot of work to do and I am honoured for the chance to represent the residents for another three years, but it won’t be easy and I am looking forward to getting started,” she said.
The aldermanic candidate with the most support was Murray Buchanan with 4,926 votes. Ron Chapman and Allan Hunter round out the new City council.
“I am humbled to get that kind of support,” said Buchanan, who served on council from 1986 to 2004.
“I think the residents were looking for someone who can deal with the financial side and I have past experience in that area.”
Chapman thanked the residents for having faith in him and said he is looking forward to getting started.
Hunter was also grateful.
“Thank God, thank my family and thank the people of Airdrie for getting out and voting,” he said.
Rachelle Reed, the youngest aldermanic candidate in a field of 20, said she would also run again.
“I feel great,” she said.
“It was good experience and I will do it again in three years.”
Aldermanic candidate Darrell Belyk, who missed out on a council seat by eight votes, asked for and received an electronic recount on Thursday. Results were not available as of press time. Check www.airdriecityview.com for updates.
There were about 27,000 eligible voters in Airdrie. Results become official on noon on Oct. 22.
