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Blundell wins Pemberton byelection

Local business owner Mark Blundell came away with a narrow victory in last weekend’s Pemberton village council byelection. Blundell beat his opponent, David Midgley, by a mere four votes.

Local business owner Mark Blundell came away with a narrow victory in last weekend’s Pemberton village council byelection.

Blundell beat his opponent, David Midgley, by a mere four votes.

"I figured it was going to be a close race," Blundell told Pique Newsmagazine after having a couple of days to reflect on his victory.

Blundell ran on a platform supporting Pemberton’s Official Community Plan and current zoning bylaws and said he would continue to support it.

According to official results from the Village of Pemberton, Blundell actually recorded fewer votes than Midgley during Saturday’s general voting. Only 117 residents voted for Blundell, while 121 residents cast their ballots for Midgley.

But during advance voting Blundell collected 14 votes to Midgley’s six.

"I’m glad my supporters got out," said Blundell, proprietor of the Pemberton Valley Supermarket.

Lauralee Onyschtschuk, a Village of Pemberton employee who helped count the votes, said there will not be a recount.

"Everyone seems to be happy," she said, adding that both candidates were present to oversee the process. "We counted the ballots a couple of times just to be sure."

The byelection became necessary after former councillor Bruce MacFayden stepped down for health reasons.

Village of Pemberton Official election results 2001 by-election for councillor

Blundell Midgley

Advance voting: June 13 and 20 14 6

General voting: June 23 117 121

Totals 131 127