Richard Atwell squeaked out a win over incumbent and six-term Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard on Saturday in what most are calling the upset of the night around the region.

Atwell defeated Leonard by just over 1,000 votes, according to the unofficial count. Mayoral candidate David Shebib, who ran on a platform of dissolving the current system of government, received 482 votes, about 1.7 per cent of overall votes for mayor.

B次元官网网址淚t was time for a change,B次元官网网址� said Atwell from his campaign office at 3789 Quadra St. on election night B次元官网网址淟ast election, (David) Cubberley brought something, but it wasnB次元官网网址檛 enough. This time, something I did resonated with everyone.B次元官网网址�

Atwell has gained recognition in his advocacy as a prominent critic of the Capital Regional DistrictB次元官网网址檚 sewage treatment project for the past few years. He said his first order of business is to reshape council procedures and open council up to the public for non-agenda items, so people can speak their mind.

Helps captures Victoria mayoralty

Lisa Helps defeated two-term mayor Dean Fortin by just 89 votes in Victoria.

B次元官网网址淣ow the work begins,B次元官网网址� Helps said shortly after her victory. She believes what put her over the edge was her dedication and connections with the citizens of Victoria.

B次元官网网址淲e came from behind. We donB次元官网网址檛 have political affiliation, we have people,B次元官网网址� said Helps. B次元官网网址淚t was people that helped me with this election, and itB次元官网网址檚 people that will help me run the city.B次元官网网址�

editor@goldstreamgazette.com