When the results rolled in and the numbers added up in her favour, Mary Blank felt relief.
“I am very proud and thankful for the support,” Madawaska Valley’s new mayor told MyBarrysBayNow.
Blank received 1,612 votes compared to 1,242 for challenger Roger Prince.
“When you run for office, you always think you can do this or do that, but until you can reach the people and they respond, that’s when it really hits,” Blank said.
Blank was born and raised in Barry’s Bay and spent 41 years working at Valley Manor LTC as activity director. She is married to her husband, Cliff, and they have three sons. Blank was the first woman to be elected to the former Barry’s Bay Council in 1986 and was elected deputy reeve in 1990 before dropping out of politics to raise her family.
Ten candidates ran for councillor positions.
Shelley Maika and David Shulist led the polls with 1,747 and 1,745 votes, respectively.
Maika is the only incumbent returning. Shulist, mayor until the new council is sworn in, wanted to run as a councillor in this election.
New councillors are Lisa Hildenbrandt, elected with 1,622 votes, and Patrick Zelney with 1,488 votes.
Councillors Linda Neuman and Joseph Cybulskie did not seek re-election.
Black, a sitting councillor until the newly elected council gets started, said they have some challenges in the coming term, including the relationship with higher levels of government.
“Federal and provincial funding is an issue, and if they keep downloading to us, it can be a problem. We are also looking forward to many things with our housing and infrastructure and applying for grants. We are looking at trying to keep our budget within limits, although we can’t control the budgets of our county or the police budget.”
She added there are a few challenges ahead and some tough decisions to make, but she is confident in her fellow members of council.
“The new council coming in has the heart and soul of everyone in their thoughts. We’ll get it done and work hard.”
Prince said he put his best foot forward and was happy to congratulate the new mayor and applaud his supporters.
“A heartfelt thanks to all those who voted for me and offered their help. I had wise counsel and support during the campaign, and thanks to my friends, family and my partner Kelley for her belief in me and all the encouragement I got over the course of the campaign.”
He added it was an honour to meet so many people during the campaign and it would have been an honour to serve them.
Prince said he plans to keep himself busy.
“Maybe get a little bit of fishing and canoeing in, things I have passion for. I’ll have to give some thought to how I can best serve the community in other ways.”
