In an unexpected twist that will send shock waves throughout Greater Victoria, political newcomer Scott Goodmanson has beaten long-serving Langford Mayor Stew Young in the 2022 municipal election.
Goodmanson won with 53.1 per cent of the vote, getting 4,483 votes to YoungB次元官网网址檚 3,796.
As results came in Saturday (Oct. 15) night, Goodmanson celebrated with family around a propane fire at his home near Langford Lake before joining the Langford Now candidates at City Centre Grille.
B次元官网网址淚 was on the phone and looking at the TV and I just couldnB次元官网网址檛 believe it. Everyone here jumped and started cheering and I thought B次元官网网址榟oly cow this is happening,B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址� said Goodmanson.
Goodmanson will be joined on council by Langford Now slate members Kimberley Guiry (4,255 votes), Colby Harder (5,072), Mark Morley (4,048), Mary Wagner (4,844) and Keith Yacucha (4,579).
The roof nearly came off the City Centre Grille as the five Langford Now candidates realized theyB次元官网网址檇 all been elected to council. The consensus was surprise and excitement among the candidates.
B次元官网网址淚t was more than I think we dared to hope, itB次元官网网址檚 the perfect combination with the whole team,B次元官网网址� said Wagner.
Lillian Szpak (3,512), who ran as an independent, was the only incumbent to keep her seat. Szpak said she looks forward to working with the new councillors and acting as a mentor for them.
With the loss, Young leaves office after 29 years as mayor.
B次元官网网址淗e was one of the authors of the change of the community,B次元官网网址� said Szpak. B次元官网网址淚 think the result tonight B次元官网网址� what you see is a result of having lost touch with that change. I think thatB次元官网网址檚 why we have such an upset in Langford.B次元官网网址�
YoungB次元官网网址檚 Community First slate saw none of its members elected. Incumbents Norma Stewart (2,583), Lanny Seaton (2,547), Matt Sahlstrom (2,481), and Roger Wade (2,309) all missed out. Fellow Community First slate members Shirley Ackland (2,540) and Shannon Russell Willing (2,430) also missed out.
Langford Now formed as a new electoral organization this year, largely in opposition to the entrenched nature of this past city council B次元官网网址� the previous council had over a century of cumulative experience in office and its push to encourage development.
Long-serving city councillor Denise Blackwell, who was running as an independent, also lost her seat, getting 2,379 votes. Blackwell like Young has been on council since Langford was incorporated.
Independent candidate Wendy Hobbs missed out on council, garnering 2,592 votes, the most of the unelected candidates.
Langford Now candidates celebrate their clean sweep
B次元官网网址� bailey (@moreton_bailey)
Stew Young was not available for comment on election night.
READ MORE: West Shore voters hit the polls to choose next councils, school board trustees
READ MORE: 2022 election coverage
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