By Bromley Chamberlain
Sheldon Ibbotson emerged from the counting room at the Rimbey Community Centre with tears in his eyes. After composing himself he stated that he was the mayor-elect for Rimbey.
“I’m just looking forward to having a good night’s sleep and starting work tomorrow.” Ibbotson said. “I hope that I live up to their expectations.”
Unofficial results for mayor are: Sheldon Ibbotson, 631; Rick Pankiw, 348; and incumbent Dale Barr, 223.
Ibbotson is planning to make town council as transparent as possible.
“I would like to put all the information that is legally available on the website, maybe set up an email list so that if someone is interested in a particular subject, perhaps expenses, perhaps agenda packages, they would have them emailed to them,” Ibbotson said.
With all the votes that have been counted, Ibbotson was glad to see Rimbey voting and voicing their opinions. “You know that the public is involved and that they’ve spoken.”
Rick Pankiw placed second in the race for mayor.
“I have no regrets regarding the campaign I ran,” Pankiw said. “I know I did not throw any mud at anybody, and if I had, it might have been different. I’m not sure.”
Pankiw was not present at the community centre when the votes were being counted.
“The town wanted change. It got a change,” Pankiw said. “I wish Sheldon the best and it will be interesting to see who is going to be beside him on council.”
Barr was not available when the story was posted.
Close race for last seat on council
Determining which candidates will fill the four council seats could be determined by a recount.
Topping the polls were newcomers Gayle Rondeel with 753 votes, followed by Paul Payson with 611, Jack Webb with 522 ballots and Joe Anglin who polled 449 votes.
Close behiond were incumbent Steve Schrader with 445 votes and Brian Restall with 442.
Incumbents Wayne Clark, and Dave Huff, and challenger Dianne Kushniryk rounded out the balloting.