Glen Gower ousts Shad Qadri in Stittsville
Qadri had represented ward since 2006
Council newcomer Glen Gowerhas scored an upset inStittsville, and will represent the ward for the next four years.
With all 89 polls reporting, Gowerhad57.9 per cent of the vote, putting him comfortably ahead of incumbent Shad Qadri,who garnered42.1 per cent.
The results remain unofficial until the city clerk validates them, which is expected to happen by Thursday.
Gower said he is looking forward to jumping in.
"To me, it is just rolling up my sleeves and talking with other experienced councillors, learning from them about what it take to be successful, and then diving into some of the local issues here," he said.
People talked to him most about safe streets and transportation issues during the campaign, but they also told himthey wanted better communication, Gower said.
"We talked a lot in the campaign at the door about rebuilding the trust and engagement with residents, so I have some ideas we are going to implement around keeping that dialogue going."
'I am proud,' Qadri says
Qadrithanked the community for giving him 12 years in office.
"I am proud of what I have done in this community. I am proud of the communitythat they have supported me for 12 years," he said.
"I didn'twant to be a career politician. I wanted to be a representative."
Qadri was first elected in 2006.