Braun returns, Popove ousts incumbent

Abbotsford gave incumbent mayor Henry Braun a second term in Saturday’s election, voting to keep council almost exactly the same, while Chilliwack opted for a new mayor in Ken Popove.

Braun took 57 per cent of the vote, compared to 18.7 per cent for newcomer Eric Nyvall and 18.2 per cent for longtime councillor Moe Gill, while Popove beat incumbent mayor Sharon Gaetz by about 1,000 votes.

Former mayor Bruce Banman won the Abbotsford seat vacated by Gill.

Braun called it a vote for continuity and stability.

Meanwhile, Chilliwack voted for change.

Gaetz was seeking a fourth term as mayor.

Last election, the former minister faced marginal opposition, easily winning the mayor’s chair.

In 2011, she was acclaimed. But this time, she was challenged by two members of her own council, Popove and Sam Waddington.

A two-term city councillor and owner of a tire business, Popove was endorsed by former mayor Clint Hames.

“It’s awesome” an ecstatic Popove said. “I’m going to be a great mayor. I’m going to be a great leader. I love my city, and I’m just overwhelmed by the support.”

During the campaign, Popove managed to steer clear of controversy over Waddington’s council expense claims, which were referred to an independent auditor a few weeks before election day.

Gaetz was accused of leading the charge against Waddington for political gain.

Waddington came in third with about 500 fewer votes than Gaetz.

Many around the province were also watching the results of Chilliwack’s school trustee election after a group of anti-SOGI candidates ran in opposition to the Ministry of Education’s sexual orientation and gender identity anti-bullying resources.

Outspoken SOGI critic Barry Neufeld was re-elected, as were two other candidates who indicated they were against it.