Watts victorious in Barnwell by-election

Times File Photo

Taber Times

The unofficial results are in, and Sandy Watts has secured the vote to become the next councillor for the Village of Barnwell in Monday’s by-election.

Watts emerged victorious with 54 votes, trailed closely by Sam Fowler with 47. Former mayor Del Bodnarek was unable to break through taking in only 11 votes in the by-election.

Voter turnout saw 113 cast a ballot in the village of just under 1,000 residents.

“The Council is excited to get another helper for sure,” said Missy Foster, interim mayor for the Village of Barnwell, in the lead up to the by-election. “It’s exciting to have an election and not just have one person run for one spot and have it be an acclamation position.”

The by-election was necessary to replace former mayor Kent Bullock who resigned in June and moved to Lethbridge.

A retired land surveyor, Watts will be given his responsibilities at an organizational meeting in early October.