There will be two new faces on council in December, when Mapleton’s new municipal government is sworn in.
Councillor candidate Neil Driscoll dominated the polls, garnering 1,419 votes – almost 600 more than his closest competitor, fellow newcomer Andy Knetsch (823 votes).
“I was really surprised with the amount of votes that I got,” Driscoll said on Tuesday. “I’m really pleased with the support I received.”
Incumbent councillors Jim Curry (812) and Mike Downey (806) won the final two seats on council, narrowly defeating John Slot (794), current councillor Dennis Craven (785), Wayne Burnett (737) and Richard Brimblecombe (707).
Rounding out the race were Daniel McIntyre (634) and John Schnieders (555).
Current councillor Bruce Whale earned a decisive victory in the mayoral race, winning 1,273 votes or 55% of the total. Richard Molenaar garnered 854 votes (37%), while John Linde secured 195 (8%)
Whale said with the mail-in ballot system in place, and with so many candidates running this time around, the results were very unpredictable.
“I guess they turned out the way I hoped they would,” said Whale.
He attributed his victory to his experience, including many years on council as well as his involvement in all three local urban areas, particularly with minor Sports. He commended the job done by Molenaar, who was unavailable for comment by press time, and he also had kind things to say about all the other successful candidates.
“I think we’ve got a good group,” Whale said.
He added the priorities of the new council, in addition to helping new members get accustomed to the job, will include the ongoing wastewater lagoon improvements and possibly developing long-term plans.
Driscoll said he wants to work hard to improve the “accountability and communication” of council and the township.
He is unsure of exactly what made him stand out to voters, though he hinted he is well known in the township and he tried to give honest, unscripted answers during recent all candidate debates.
Knetsch, who served on Drayton council from 1988 to 1991, said he thought all the candidates for council were “committed individuals” who wanted to make a difference in the township. But, “the people have spoken,” he added.
“I think it’s a very good group of individuals … it’s a strong team,” he said of the five successful candidates.
Knetsch felt it was his 30-year history in the township, including community and church involvement, that secured his victory. He wants to thank everyone who voted for him and said he looks forward to serving the municipality to the best of his ability.
Downey agreed returning councillors will work well with the new members.
“I think they’re good, strong people. I think they’ll be an asset for sure,” he said.
Downey noted he was not shocked by the overall results of the election, although he was surprised the race for councillor positions was so close.
It was a very different story in the four-way trustee race for the Upper Grand District School Board.
Incumbent Bruce Schieck won an overwhelming victory, garnering 3,848 votes (51%) in Mapleton, Minto and Wellington North. Timothy Meyers followed with 1,337 votes (18%) while Irma DeVries won 1,200 (16%) and Doris French won 1,121 (15%).
At the Catholic board, James Coffey was the successful trustee candidate, winning 990 votes (60%) in Minto, Mapleton, Wellington North and Centre Wellington. Stephen Kitras finished second with 668 votes (40%).
As for local representation at the upper tier, Whale will be joined at county council by current Mapleton Mayor John Green, who was acclaimed in ward 2.
