Peachland mayor Cindy Fortin won re-election through a draw
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/District of Peachland
October 29, 2018 - 4:14 PM
PEACHLAND - The judicial recount of the ballots from the Peachland mayoralty election was held today and incumbent Cindy Fortin won the tie-breaking draw against challenger Harry Gough.
“The judicial recount took a few hours,” she wrote in a post to her Facebook page. “In the end it came down to a tie again 804 to 804. The judge folded the two pieces of paper, each one with either Harry or my name on it, and put in the box, shook it up, and drew a name.
“It was nail-biting, but I'm absolutely thrilled to have had my name drawn, and to be your Mayor for another four year term!"
Gough had questioned whether the voting process was fair, raising concerns about ballot boxes possibly not being properly sealed. He was cited in some media reports as saying he would wait until today’s outcome before deciding to launch a court challenge.
“That’s people trying to speak on my behalf,” Gough told iNFOnews.ca “As far as I’m concerned we’re done and finished with it.”
He had said earlier that he would have preferred a tie to be broken with another election but a bylaw passed by Peachland council in May opted for a draw instead.
“I just want to say to Harry Gough that you did an amazing job, and you were very gracious,” Fortin wrote on Facebook. “If you have any input in the next four years, please don't hesitate to come by for a coffee and a sit-down. I know you love this community, too. I wish you and your family the very best.
“To all of Peachland...whether you voted for me or not, I will serve each and everyone of you to the best of my ability. We are all residents of this wonderful community, and we need to come together.
“Let's work on mending the divisions, and healing after a year of stress and divisions. We are a great community, and will always be...Peachland!"
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