Weyburn elects new mayor

Although they may have been delayed, the results of Wednesday’s municipal election changed the face of Weyburn’s city council.

Marcel Roy was elected as the city’s new mayor, with 2,374 votes – or roughly 57 per cent – of the vote. 

“The voters showed what they were feeling out there,” said Roy. “It’s kind of unbelievable but, I did have the confidence that we went into this very strong and it’s become a reality.”

Debra Button, who was first voted in as mayor on Oct. 26, 2006, came out of this year’s election with 1,766 votes, ending her decade-long run.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed,” Button said. “A lot of hard work went into this. I believe in democracy and the people have spoken. I wish Marcel all the best in his new role.”

City council will also see three new faces: Jeff Richards, who topped the councillor race with 2,538 votes, Jeff Chessall, who had 2,330 and Brad Wheeler, who came in fifth with 1,814 votes, will all be taking up the role.

Incumbent Mel Van Betuw also earned back his seat with 2,029 votes

Dick Michel also reclaimed his seat with 1,771 votes, along with Winston Bailey, who received 1,992.

Nancy Styles and Laura Morrissette were the two incumbents who did not reclaim their position. 

“People want change and I guess I didn’t quite make the cut for that change,” Morrissette said. “It has been such an awesome learning experience and I really appreciate everyone that voted me in in the first place and 2020’s not that far away.”

Overall, voter turnout was roughly twice as high as the last election, bringing in over 4,100 ballots.