Witteveen wins West Lincoln region seat
West Lincoln’s first ever regional councillor race was a nail biter in every sense of the word.
The race was too close to call, even as Albert Witteveen maintained a small lead against the only contender for the seat, Terry Bell.
That lead remained small even as the last ward reported although Witteveen did maintain a win by a margin of 45 votes, taking 2,186 votes ahead of Bell’s 2,141.
“It feels amazing to have that responsibility, to be that second voice at the Region,” said Witteveen, a two-term town councillor who will represent the township at the Region alongside mayor-elect David Bylsma.
“I’m excited to work with Dave, we have a lot in common,” said Witteveen, explaining both he and the mayor share in a focus of fiscal responsibility and accountability for taxpayer dollars.
Witteveen said his focus will be to guide growth responsibly in Niagara, ensuring the features of the Region are protected while focusing on keeping Niagara an affordable place to live.
“It will be a big challenge,” said Witteveen, who was quick to place reform of Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority on his to-do list.
“Obviously we need to address the issue,” said Witteveen, who would like to see the public engaged on the best possible practice for governance of the authority, and its mandate.
He said he hopes the infighting of the past regional council term can be left behind with a new set of faces around the table.
Bell congratulated Witteveen on the win, adding he isn’t thinking of a recount at this point. He voiced his pride for both himself and Witteveen in running a clean campaign.
“I have no regrets,” said Bell, adding, “we never had any ill will between us.”