Full slate of councillors after byelection

For the first time in 10 years, citizens of Burgeo voted in a municipal election.

The May 18 byelection saw three people vie for two seats. Garland Benoite, Gord Ingram and Lori Porter had their names on the ballot. Mr. Ingram had the most votes with 153. Ms. Porter took the other seat with 149 votes.

Burgeo now has a full slate of councillors. It is the first time that has happened since January 2007.

Mrs. Porter said she has been thinking about serving on council for the past four or five years, but was working on her nursing degree. She is now working as director of health services at the Calder Health Centre.

She said she decided to run because municipal government is important for advancing local interests, especially in rural and remote areas such as Burgeo.

"We're constantly struggling with services and work. I think you need a strong municipal government to keep the community moving ahead," she said.

Besides her work at the health centre, Mrs. Porter is an active volunteer in the church and on the local health committee. She recently partnered with Glenda Rickets to start a healthy living group in Burgeo. Members meet on a regular basis to exercise and discuss health topics such as dieting.

This will be Mr. Ingram's second time serving on council. He served a four-year term in the 1980s but left to pursue a business opportunity.

Now retired, the former owner of a local grocery store said he is interested in the beautification of the town.

"I'm interested in seeing the town move forward," he said while holding back on any specific topics until he gets his feet wet.

Town Manager Blaine Marks said 180 out of 1,272 eligible voters came out to cast a ballot.

Both Mr. Ingram and Mrs. Porter expressed concern at the low voter turnout. Mrs. Porter said the turnout was unfortunate.

Mr. Ingram said given the nice weather, there should have been more voters coming out.

"If they don't want to get involved with the town. At least they can show support for the ones that want to get in and do something for the town."

reporter@gulfnews.ca