The results are in, and the entire council for the R.M. of Montcalm has been acclaimed for the coming term. This includes Reeve Paul Gilmore who will fill the top job for a second term.
"I consider elections to be an integral part of a vibrant democracy, and apathy is usually not a good sign I feel. But, there's a certain anxiety for candidates when they're going into elections, so I'm kind of glad that it's over and that I can once again concentrate on representing my rate payers," said Gilmore.
Four of the councillors for next term are also incumbents. Only one vacancy remains, and that is in Ward 2 where Emile Remillard served for over 20 years before opting not to run in the October 26th election.
"We're certainly going to miss his good common sense and his knowledge of the municipality. It always came in handy," said Gilmore.
With four returning councillors, Gilmore feels this will offer some consistency and continuity in tackling the list of priority items he has laid out for next term. That to-do list includes a flood mitigation project on St. Mary's Road, and economic development.
"Couple that with population growth, which in our area has been historically stagnant, so we'd like to see if we can move that around a wee bit. I know it's a tough ask, but we're going to do a bit of work on that part," noted the Reeve.
He also says there will be continued focus on good governance and fiscal responsibility.
When it comes to filling that single council vacancy, a decision hasn't quite been made. The Municipality has two options - hold a by-election or appoint someone to the post.
"We'd like to get things rolling on that...one is not much but it is an integral part," said Gilmore.