Jim Wood trounced two challengers in the race for Red Deer County mayor.
The two-time councillor from the Elnora area finished with 2,116 votes, easily surpassing the 1,217 votes for nearest rival former councillor Stan Bell and the 1,145 votes of Debra Hanna, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in the last election.
Wood was celebrating with about 100 friends, family and supporters when he was reached at his home for comment on his decisive victory.
“I will follow the platform that I ran on in my campaign, with a huge focus on better county/resident communication,” he said, adding he wants to see more town hall meetings and other opportunities for feedback.
Wood said he wants to ensure that county decisions reflect the wishes of the communities affected.
If communication lines are kept open, the county will get a better sense of the ratepayers’ views on the other recurring issues facing the county, such as roads and taxes. “Good communication will ensure we do the right thing.”
Wood was encouraged by the show of support.
“I believe I have a strong mandate,” he said, adding that provides assurance that his platform fits in well with the needs of county residents.
Bell, a former three-term councillor who lost his seat in the last election, said he felt he ran a good campaign and thought the race would be closer. But it is always a challenge to beat an incumbent, said the Sylvan Lake area farmer and businessman.
“Jim ran a good campaign. Kudos to him.”
Hanna said while she is disappointed with the outcome, she was glad she made the effort to run.
“That’s what democracy is all about,” said the Benalto-area woman. “We have to have people who are willing to put it out on the line and walk away gracefully when the people choose someone else.”
Hanna expressed confidence in Wood’s ability to lead the county.
“They’ve got a lot of issues out there. Jim’s got a good handle on them. He knows what needs to be done.”
In the races for council, Penny Archibald will be back for an eighth term in Division 3, Dave Hoar will return for a second term in Division 4 and George Gehrke will return for his second term in Division 6 since returning to council after a six-year break.
Jim Lougheed, who has sat on council for three terms over the past 12 years, narrowly lost his seat in a three-way battle that was separated by only seven votes. Richard Lorenz won the Division 5 seat with 343 votes, followed by Rod English with 340 and Lougheed at 336.
“It was close,” said Lougheed. “Even if it had been a victory by that margin, I would have considered it a loss.”
In Division 1, Philip Massier won the seat left vacant by Wood. In Division 2, Don Nesbitt won the seat left open when Reimar Poth left .
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com