Experience reigned supreme in View Royal as Graham Hill secured his spot alongside a council team that remains largely unchanged.
"I am delighted to be elected to be mayor and receive the trust the electorate have put in me," Hill said. "I look forward to the next three years with excitement, energy and expectation."
Elected for his fourth consecutive term, Hill's popularity proved to be too much for his competition with his 1,078 votes eclipsing the tally of the two other mayoral candidates, Barb Fetherstonhaugh (453) and Andrew Britton (401) combined.
"I ran on my record ... The proof was in View Royal," he said. "While my opponents thought perhaps we hadn't been listening, we certainly have been listening to the values and interests of the residents."
Hill was congratulatory towards the victors in all neighbouring communities for their success while thanking those who ran unsuccessfully — even those that ran against him. He plans to keep the new View Royal Fire Hall and the Craigflower Bridge top of mind as the next two big projects for the council elect.
"It was an interesting campaign ... My appreciation and respect to those who made this campaign possible,” Hill said. “People trusted in the competency of the councillors and myself because what you see is what you get and (residents) know that."
View Royal council saw just one change in their ranks with the unsuccessful mayoral bid of Andrew Britton leaving a vacant council seat for a familiar face. Ron Mattson made a triumphant return after taking two terms off with 1,013 votes.
The three remaining incumbents all won their bids to return to office with Heidi Rast earning 1,355 votes, Jon Rogers 1,282 votes and David Screech close behind with 1,192 votes.
"I feel delighted to have an opportunity to get back on council," Mattson said. "Some things have been issues and I have the opportunity to work on those and achieve my overall goal — to improve things for the residents of View Royal."
While not officially the incumbent, the project manager for the Ministry of Health was grateful to be back in the familiar post.
"I would like to thank (everyone) who supported me and put their trust in me," he said. "I will do my utmost to ensure I am worthy of that trust."