Michael Fougere elected Regina mayor

Veteran city councillor and stadium supporterMichael Fougerehas been electedRegina's new mayor.

"I have a new job," Fougere told reporters at the city's election headquarters on Wednesday night.

Withall polls reporting, Fougere had 21,685 votes, about 43 per cent of the total.

He replaces Pat Fiacco, who stepped down after 12 years in the mayor's chair.

Throughout the campaign, the planned new stadium was a major point of discussion. Some candidates were opposed to the multimillion dollar project, but Fougere was steadfastly behind it.

Marian Donnellywas second, with16,240 votes (32 per cent).

In thirdwas Meka Okochi with 8,960 votes (18 per cent).

The other six candidates combined had less than 10 per cent of the vote.

Their vote totals and percentages are:

• Liz Brass, 2,616 (5 per cent)
• Jim Elliott, 481 (0.9 per cent)
• Chad Novak, 413 (0.8 per cent)
• Charles Wiebe, 341 (0.7 per cent)
• Tim Siekawitch, 195 (0.4 per cent)
• Tom Brown, 172 (0.3 per cent)

Meanwhile, there will be a number of fresh faces at the next council meeting. Five of the 10 councillors will be new, including Barbara Young (Ward 1), Bob Hawkins (Ward 2), Shawn Fraser (Ward 3), Bryon James Burnett (Ward 4) and Jerry Flegel (Ward 10).

Flegel defeated Chris Szarka, the only incumbent who failed to be re-elected.