Coast Mountain News Thursday, March 14, 2013
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Vol. 29 | No. 06 Thursday, March 14, 2013
Serving the Bella Coola Valley and the Chilcotin CoastMountainNews.com
Helene Harestad honoured by Cancer Society
Serving the Bella Coola Valley and the Chilcotin Page
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Elected to his first term as Chief Councilor for the Nuxalk Nation, Wally Webber celebrates with re-elected councilor Blair Mack
Wally Webber elected Chief Councilor for Nuxalk Nation Community members witnessed the counting of the ballots, Tuesday night, at the Nuxalk Hall. With three candidates to choose from for Chief Councilor, incumbent Andrew Andy, Theresa Hood, and Wally Webber as well as 35 potential Councilors, the counting went well into the night. Early results had Wally Webber in the lead with double the numbers of his closest competitor, which continued
throughout the night, landing him the top spot with 277 votes. Andrew Andy received 144 votes, and Theresa Hood 100. There were a lot more votes than expected this year with well over 500 being received. There will be a lot of new faces on council this year. Of the nine incumbent councilors seeking re-election, only four were voted back in. The 12 councilors elected,
in order of votes: Darlene Hall(308), Peter Tallio(287), Megan Moody(282), Banchi Hanuse(262), James Mack Sr.*(247), Blair Mack*(245), Marshall Hans Jr.*(219), Ken Morton(206), Spencer Siwallace(199), Cynthia Khonje(193), Rhonda Morton(179), and either Harvey Mack* or Jason Moody both of whom got 172 at ballot closing. (* denotes re-elected) Hall carried a respectable
lead throughout the night, with the tight race going between Khonje, R. Morton, and Siwallace, who traded spots at every early count. This is also the first time such a large number of women will be present on council. With a first term Chief, eight first term Councilors, five of whom are women, the dynamic of council will definitely be changed over the next two years. “I am sure that we will continue
to all work together and am confident that the women will keep us all running smoothly. It’s really nice to see so many women getting involved in politics, and I look forward to hearing all of the councilors fresh ideas. Every council member will be kept well informed and we will continue to be accountable to the Nuxalk community,” said Chief-Elect Webber. Congratulations to you all!