Schafer Ready to Lead Swift Current

     He won the election by a large margin, collecting 2726 votes, which was 1009 ahead of runner-up Don Robinson, who had 1717 votes.  Coming in third was Stacey Ellertson with 753 votes.

     Schafer says he was humbled by the support from voters yesterday, saying it was an overwhelming process in the amount of support and people rallying around him because they believe in his vision for the community.

     The City is recovering from a negative image brought on by this summer's rodent problems, and communcation issues were a major part of the campaign.  Schafer says there are issues that come forward in any election, and things they can work on, but the message coming through is that people realize things are going pretty well in Swift Current.  He adds that they will work on the issues in the campaign, but also work on the good things about life in our community.

     Don Robinson was obviously disappointed with the results, and says that he believes he ran a good campaign, and says there are still issues that the incoming council will have to deal with.  Those issues include looking at the lending limits, urging the new government to be careful with that moving forward.  He is confident that the people of Swift Current will keep the new government accountable.

     Stacey Ellertson came in third.  It was his first time taking a shot at Mayor, and says he doesn't regret the decision whatsoever.  He hopes the new administration will follow a fiscally conservative agenda, and work on being more approachable.  Now out of local politics, Ellertson says he will continue to help the community outside of City Hall with his counselling and volunteer work.  He says Swift Current is an outstanding community, and he can't think of a better city to live in.

     Here are the final results from the Mayoralty elections.

     The City is reporting a decent voter turnout for the elections.

     Returning Officer Dianne Hahn says 53.2% of eligible voters cast ballots yesterday, which is slightly down from the 58% from the 2006 elections.

     Looking back at past elections, Hahn says the 2003 vote, which included the Casino plebiscite, had a 68% voter turnout, while the 2000 elections had a 40% turnout.