Redcliff's unofficial mayor elect Chris Czember, left, sits next to incumbent mayor Dwight Kilpatrick, right, at an election night gathering with other candidates held at Czember's Redcliff bar Who's on 3rd.--NEWS PHOTO ZOE MASON
zmason@medicinehatnews.com
Chris Czember has been elected mayor of Redcliff.
According to unofficial results released by the Town of Redcliff on Monday night, Czember beat his opponent Don McRobb handily to win his first term as mayor. This will be Czember’s first term as mayor after previously serving two terms on the town’s council.
“It’s obviously very humbling to get the people’s support in a manner like that, very distinct support,” he told the News on Monday night.
Czember initially entered the mayoral race uncontested, but McRobb joined the contest shortly before the nomination period closed in September. Czember says he’s proud to have had the opportunity to win the support of the people.
“It’s much more satisfying to know I have the people’s support, rather than just nobody running against me,” he said.
“I certainly thank my opponent for that opportunity. He thought he could do a good job, and I’m not saying he couldn’t, but I guess I’m the man for the job.”
After advance poll results were tallied, incumbent town councillor Matthew St. Pierre and challenger Bernie Bakker were leading the council race. Election Day results had not been released by press time.
“First and foremost, I’m looking forward to getting to know how my new council is, and starting that relationship on a good foot forward with them,” said Czember.
Advance poll results saw two-term mayor and longtime councillor Dwight Kilpatrick falling short of a council seat by one vote.
No results are available yet for the Prairie Rose trustee position for ward three. Three candidates are running for the last trustee position in the school board. The rest of the positions were filled by acclimation.
“I appreciate everybody that came out and voted,” said Czember. “I hate to overuse the word, but it is such a humbling feeling.”
