Athabasca County council’s most beleaguered members successfully retained their seats in Monday night’s election.
Division 8 (Baptiste-Island Lake) councillor Larry Armfelt, sanctioned by council for the past 18 months, narrowly defeated challenger Colleen Loziak, 197-195.
Division 9 (Richmond Park) councillor Mike Demko, the subject of anonymous allegations last week, defeated Larry Manysiak, 167-119.
“People have really stood behind me,” Demko said.
“I will continue working for them as hard as I can.”
Other incumbents re-elected included Doris Splane in Division 3 (Boyle), Kevin Haines in Division 5 (Athabasca East), and Jack Dowhaluk in Division 6 (Wandering River).
“It’s a relief that it’s over, and back to work again,” Splane commented.
“I just would like to thank all the people of Division 5 for giving me the opportunity to represent them for another three years,” Haines said.
“I have a house full of supporters here and I’m happy with the numbers,” Dowhaluk said. “I’ll just continue doing the work that I’m doing.”
Newcomers to council include Denis Willcott, who defeated incumbent Charlie Ashbey in Division 2 (Colinton-New Pine Creek), 166-118; and Christi Bilsky, who unseated Brian Bahry in Division 4 (Forfar).
“It feels really good because I worked real hard at it, and I hope to do the best for them,” Willcott said.
In the only race with out an incumbent, Division 1 (Rochester), Allen Balay returns to council after defeating Victor Cumbleton, 166-124.
“It’s a good feeling, lets put it that way,” Balay said.
“When the time comes we’ll tend to the job at hand.”
