ST. PAUL - The County of St. Paul has elected its next reeve.
After a close race, Glen Ockerman grabbed 1,270 votes to Yvonne Weinmeier's 1,201 votes. Ockerman is a former County of St. Paul councillor for Division 1, and did not serve in the previous term.
Speaking after the last polls were reported, Ockerman said he expected the race to be tight and was happy people were given the choice between two candidates.
While Ockerman won't be an entirely new face to council chambers, he says he will have to learn his role as reeve, and is "up to the challenge."
Looking at the overall results, Ockerman says he is excited to work with the new council - which is a mix of old and new faces.
“I think things look bright for the County of St. Paul.”
When asked why he decided to put his name forward and make a bid for the position of reeve, Ockerman says he has always had a passion for municipal politics, and felt the County of St. Paul had invested a lot of time and education in him when he was a councillor. He says he simply wants to give back.
Ockerman is confident there are people across the municipality who trust him to do the job. And he is coming with a renewed focus on youth. He says he is still very active and is busy raising his own family, and believes there are many great things happening in the County of St. Paul.
And while he may have a new title, Ockerman says he is still just one of seven people sitting around the table. He was happy to see some really good candidates step forward in the election, and said there have already been some good conversations taking place.
“The County of St. Paul has always been a great place and I think we need to keep it great," said Ockerman. He added that throughout his campaign, he focused on keeping things positive.
But, he also heard concerns from ratepayers while he was out campaigning. Finances are on people's minds, as is mental health. But, people are willing to talk about it. Ockerman said those concerns and issues need to be reflected in the work being done in the community.
Ockerman thanked everyone for their support throughout the election.
Across the County
In Division 1, Coun. Darrell Younghans has retained his seat by acclamation.
In Division 2, incumbent Kevin Wirsta has been re-elected.
In Division 3, Ross Krekoski has been elected as a new face on council.
In Division 4, Coun. Maxine Fodness retained her seat by acclamation.
In Division 5, incumbent Dale Hedrick won his seat.
In Division 6, Louis Dechaine will be the other new face on council.
Results reported on the night of the election are unofficial.
