A lifelong Morinville resident has squeaked into the lead to become the town's newest councillor.
Sheldon Fingler was declared the winner of the 2012 Morinville council by-election last Thursday. Some 263 people cast their ballots in favour of the 40-year-old town resident, putting him just 32 votes ahead of runner up Kevin Wedick.
Fingler was sworn in as councillor on Monday.
Fingler, reached by phone shortly after the ballots were tallied as he was collecting election signs, said he was happy and ecstatic when he heard the news. "I'm glad the community believed in me and is giving me a chance to make the community better."
Born and raised in Morinville, Fingler is the owner of Infinite Event Services and a first time councillor.
He already works 40 to 60 hours a week, so Fingler said he'd have to do a lot of juggling to keep his civic and family life balanced. "I'm going to give up on sleep and start preparing."
Wide-ranging campaign
Fingler said he was surprised by the variety of issues he heard while on the campaign trail. "There was not one significant issue that jumped out," he said, with voters talking about everything from photo radar to community services.
"The biggest message I took away isn't a single message. It's that you've got to listen to people."
Fingler said his accessibility might have given him an edge in the election. "People want a councillor to be accessible," he said. "I think people liked the fact that I answered the phone when they called."
His phone numbers are public knowledge, he noted, and he encouraged residents to call him. "I want people to call me day and night."
Just 734 valid votes were counted in the election, according to the town's website, suggesting a voter turnout of about 13 per cent.
It could have been better, Fingler said of the turnout, but it's tough to get people out to vote in a by-election. "I'm just happy about the people who got out and voted."
Congrats all round
Fingler congratulated his fellow candidates for taking part in the election. "It takes a lot of courage and a strong individual to step up and put their name out there for a vote."
He didn't go into this race with a strong sense that he'd win, but Fingler said he was still surprised by how close it turned out. "Kevin came in a very close second," he said, and obviously has a group of people that believe in him. "I want to be able to represent their thoughts as well." He planned to meet with Wedick in the near future.
Wedick, who is friends with Fingler, said he congratulated him on his win and looked forward to working with him. "I think he's going to do a fantastic job for the town of Morinville."
Wedick started his campaign six days late due to a family emergency, and said that may have cost him during the election. "Considering I came out late and where I placed, I'm happy." He planned to run again for council in the next election.
Candidate Jim O'Brien said he was a little disappointed by his third place, 114-vote finish. "You don't ever enter something like this to lose." Still, he said he had a lot of fun and congratulated Fingler.
O'Brien said he wasn't sure if he'd run again, but didn't plan to change his campaign strategy if he did. "I speak my mind, and if people can't accept that, so be it."
Joseph Trapani placed fourth with 60 votes, but said he was still pleased with the results. "It was either me or (Fingler) that I wanted to win," he said.
Fingler's experience with politics and the Morinville and District Chamber of Commerce make him a great choice for councillor, Trapani said. "I left (the polling station) with a big smile on my face because I'm positive Sheldon will do an excellent job." He himself planned to run in the next election, possibly for mayor.
Jackie Luker-Chevalier earned 56 votes in her second run for town office, and said she wasn't sure if she'd make a third. If she did, she would try to be more visible during the election.
She congratulated Fingler and all the other candidates for their run. "It shows that our community is very much alive and well."
Bonnie Moerike came last with 10 votes, and did not respond to a request for an interview.
