Steve Schrader is the unofficial winner of a byelection to fill an open spot on Rimbey’s town council.
If the vote count is officially upheld later this week, this will mean Schrader will have prevailed over six competitors, including the high profile Joe Anglin, who has spoken out on a proposed powerline and environmental issues.
Mark Cartier, Darren Jansen, Jim Moore, Allan Tarleton and Jack Webb are the others who vied to replace former councillor Kathy Davies, who resigned her seat after moving out of town.
Seven candidates had filed papers by the time nominations closed at the end of June, including Schrader, who has worked for Sears Canada.
The list represented a good cross section of age groups, but no women. This was regretted by Mayor Dale Barr, who was surprised to see so many people stepping forward for the byelection — especially since the town’s four-member council was acclaimed last election.
Huff could think of no outstanding issue that would put so many names onto the ballot.
Returning officer Russ Wardrope did not release any of the candidate’s vote counts on Monday, nor the proportion of the electorate who voted.
The next general election is in October 2010.