New Council takes on the next term

October 30, 2014 · 0 Comments

On October 27th the voters of Shelburne exercised their democratic privilege and delivered a new Council to the next term of municipal office. The list of newly elected Council members includes Mayor Ken Bennington, Deputy Mayor Geoff Dunlop (acclaimed), Councillor Wade Mills, Councillor Walter Benotto, Councillor Tom Egan, Councillor Randy Chambers, and Councillor Dan Sample. They will officially take office December 1st, 2014.

Only 36% of Shelburne voters cast their ballot for a total of 1428 votes of the 4016 eligible. In recognition of the honour they have received from the voters to serve the Town of Shelburne, the newly elected members shared the following written statements of acceptance:

Ken Bennington elected as Mayor received 1128 votes:

“Thanks to all Shelburne residents for your ongoing support throughout this
election process. I look forward to working with your new Council team
that you, the residents, have selected. The team you have chosen has both
elements of experience, and the enthusiasm of newly elected councillors.

Throughout this campaign, I have knocked on hundreds of doors, and met with
countless people. I enjoyed those conversations regarding the Town, and
our Council. I receive many positive comments and also some indicators
where we may have stumbled in the past. I will reflect on those
conversations in the immediate future as we move forward into the new Council
term.

Please join me in thanking both Ed Crewson, and AJ Cavey, for their
dedication and hard work over many, many years, and multiple projects, for
the Town of Shelburne. It was my pleasure to have served with, and learned
from, each of them. I wish them all the best as they turn the page into
new chapters.”

Geoff Dunlop acclaimed Deputy Mayor:

“Congratulations to the successful candidates and to all of the candidates who, not only care deeply about our town, but had the courage to put their name on the ballot for Monday’s municipal election. I am eager to work with the members of council in the coming term and appreciative of the ongoing support of the residents of Shelburne.”

Wade Mills elected as Councillor received 937 votes:

I am honoured and humbled to have received the overwhelming confidence of the people of Shelburne in this week’s election. For those who supported my campaign, I offer my deepest gratitude. For those whose support I have not yet earned, I pledge to prove myself through actions. In order to move Shelburne forward towards a bright and vibrant future, I will need your help, your ideas, and your energy. I look forward to bringing some fresh thinking to Council and I am excited to get to work on your behalf.

Dan Sample elected as Councillor received 815 votes:

“This has been an exciting time for my family and me during this campaign. I would like to take a moment to thank everyone that assisted during the campaign, my family for the support and dedication, friends that kept me going, all the voters that voted. This is our town, we need to work together to get everything accomplished; I am your voice “We Are in This Together.” Nikki Williams and her two boys Alex and Jordan, have been there every minute of the way: attending Town Council meetings, putting out signs, setting up fund raisers and all out support. Thanks to all who supported my campaign, I look forward to working with everyone in the future. Thanks everyone!!!!”

Randy Chamber elected as Councillor received 810 votes:

“I would humbly like to thank you, the citizens of the Town of Shelburne, for the continued support that you have provided me, since first being elected in 1991. Rest assured that I will continue to act on your behalf, and in the best interests of the Town of Shelburne, in fulfilling the trust that you have placed in me once again this year.”

Walter Benotto elected as Councillor received 752 votes:

“I want to thank all who have supported me in this election. I will work hard for all the citizens of Shelburne to make it the “Best small town in Ontario”.

Tom Egan elected as Councillor received 735 votes:

“Sincere thanks to the voters of Shelburne for your support and confidence in re-electing me to Shelburne Council. I will continue to work hard to represent you at Council and to make the right decisions. Thank You”

The Free Press congratulates all the candidates on a race well run and extends best wishes to the newly elected members of the Shelburne Town Council as they begin their political adventure into the next term.

By Marni Walsh