With a record number of votes cast, newcomers Elizabeth FitzZaland and Steve Lam have been elected to serve on the North Salt Spring Waterworks District (NSSWD) board of trustees.
The results were announced during NSSWD’s Annual General Meeting held Thursday, April 27 at Community Gospel Chapel. Financial officer Tammy Lannan told attendees FitzZaland received 643 votes, and Lam 428; Leigh Large received 337 votes and incumbent Gary Gagne received 331.
Gagne thanked voters and the board, saying he was optimistic for the water district’s future.
“It’s been an honour to participate in this organization, and to see it flourishing today with new staff,” said Gagne. “I’m happy to see the ‘new blood’ on the board, and I’m really excited for the organization going forward.”
Of the 965 total votes cast — a record turnout, board chair Sandra Ungerson noted — 917 of them were mail-in ballots, with just 48 in-person. Lannan said there were 41 “spoiled” or rejected ballots, including ballots that chose more than two candidates, did not have a name, witness or signatures included, or a ballot from an otherwise disqualified voter (e.g. ratepayers with outstanding money owed to the district for more than a year).
“I’m excited about our two new board members,” Ungerson told attendees, as she thanked everyone who voted. “The plans we have for this coming year are ambitious, science-based, and driven by the best possible work that every one of us can do to deliver what the ratepayers ask from us.”