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Kyllo dominates Shuswap vote
B.C. Election: Liberals retain grip on the riding, Sicamous businessman heading to Victoria. By martha Wickett, Barb Brouwer and Jessica Klymchuk OBSerVer STAFF
Just one word – “Wow!” That was Bc liberal Greg Kyllo’s reaction to winning last night’s election with slightly more than 48 per cent of the vote. In the unofficial count with 165 of 166 polls reporting, Kyllo got 11,342 votes, followed by ndP Steve Gunner with 6,972 votes, conservative Tom Birch with 3,045 Green candidate chris George had 2,186 and Johanna Zalcik of the Advocational Party took 62. Both Kyllo and the liberal Party defied pre-election polls that had the ndP forming the next government. “I am looking forward to working in government, not opposition,” he said after several congratulatory hugs from ecstatic supporters. Kyllo’s campaign office was infused with a party atmosphere less than an hour after the polls closed, when the liberals were already leading in 46 polls. Supporters were gathered around a TV set, reacting to results with loud cheers and laughter. In a quieter corner, Kyllo described himself as being cautiously optimistic. He credited his campaign team for the win, saying no one person could have done it alone. “I am absolutely humbled by the number of volunteers who have come forward,” he said, noting his first move as MlA will be to reacquaint himself with his wife and four daughters. “This has been all-consuming, 24-7.” Beyond the short break, Kyllo says learning the ropes and creating jobs will be priorities. “Only with a strong economy can you have the dollars to adequately fund needed social programs,” he said. With the youngest of four daughters now 18 and his Sicamous businesses in good hands, Kyllo said the time is right for moving into the new challenges a political career will offer. “I have extremely big shoes to fill and lots to learn,” he said. “And I’m up for the challenge.” The big shoes belong to outgoing MlA George Abbott who held the post for 17 years and has provided the new MlA with
JamEs muRRay/OBSerVer
Reaction: BC Liberal candidate Greg Kyllo receives a hug from his daugh-
ter Samantha as he receives good news. (Right) NDP candidate Steve Gunner watches as prediction-defying results roll in. invaluable advice and support, Kyllo says. Also playing a supporting role, a delighted fundraising manager Mel Arnold, said the liberal win will “keep B.c.’s economy moving forward.” Kyllo will move into the political arena with strong family support as well. “I am extremely proud of him, he worked hard and I am excited we can carry on this journey together,” said wife Georgina, who noted she had been nervous early in the day. “I would have been proud of him either way.” Standing in the now-packed campaign office, former Salmon Arm councillor Kevin Flynn gave the local liberal win a big thumbs up.
This week Students cast their own ballots in a mock provincial election. See who they chose on A3. Drawing hundreds of riders , the Salty Dog Enduro proved as popular as ever. See A20.
“I’m very happy. As a small businessperson, I won’t have to sell up and move to Alberta,” he said. “The results are somewhat shocking based on the polls.” At ndP campaign headquarters, a subdued group of volunteers watched as the liberal lead in B.c. grew. candidate Steve Gunner, not one to blurt out unreasoned answers during the campaign, held true to form on Tuesday night. “I would hate to look at the big picture just yet. It would take more analysis than we can do at the moment,” he said, adding, “Obviously this is a fairly surprising result for British columbia, not what we would expect to See Results on page A2
Index Opinion ....................... A6 View Point .................. A7 Life & Times ............... A9 Sports............... A19-A22 Arts & Events ... A23-A26 Time Out................... A27 Vol. 106, No. 20, 48 pages