By Clark Stork

RM of Torch River elects new reeve, two councillors

Jan 18, 2018 | 8:50 AM

The RM of Torch River has a freshly elected reeve and two members of council.

The previous regime was uprooted when three members resigned from their positions in November amid controversy. Maureena Schreiner has been a member of the municipality her entire life, she told northeastNOW change was needed.

“There seemed to be a lot of problems these last couple years. I think everybody is feeling it’s time for a change and they need someone in there that’s going to listen,” Schreiner said.

Former Reeve Louise Nicklen resigned Nov. 10. Division 5 Coun. Tyler Shymanski quit Oct. 14 and Michelle Fox-Waddington, the Division 4 councillor resigned Nov. 14.

Jerry Kindrat was elected as the new reeve with 189 votes. Darryl Matton received 119, Terrence Cunningham collected 109 votes, and Robert Allen had nine. Schreiner said the candidate field was one of the largest she’s seen in the RM’s history.

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“There was more than I expected running, so it could be jostled a bit. I think it needs a whole new facelift,” she said.

The Division 4 seat was won by Ken Runn with 153 votes, Ellery Fehr received nine. In Division 5, Richard Pickett won with 53 votes, Heinz Klassen was second with 18, and Dalton Clifford had nine votes.

Lyle Nowlin visited the RM office in White Fox to cast his votes as well. He said it was meaningful to have a voice despite the controversy.

“It was a hot topic around town and if you don’t vote you can’t grumble. I just think it’s a duty we need to do,” Nowlin said.

Details behind the ‘code of ethics’ complaints are scarce. The matters are being reviewed by legal counsel. Once the investigation is completed by the RM hired lawyer, council will consider any recommendations. For now, renewed optimism is apparent to voters. Another voter, who didn’t to provide her name said the byelection came at the perfect time.

“Council needs a change. There’s been a lot of stuff happening that shouldn’t,” she said.

Clark.stork@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ClarkStork