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Shannon McDonagh third member of Wells council after recount and re-drawing of lots

John Aiken was first reported as winner, before a judicial recount at the Quesnel courthouse Feb. 18
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The District of Wells held a by-election for mayor and three councillors on Feb. 5, and a judicial recount was held on Feb. 18. (Observer File Photo)

The results of the District of Wells’ by-election were changed after a judicial recount on Friday, Feb. 18.

A recount was directed by the province after two candidates for council, Shannon McDonagh and John Aitken both received 45 votes during a Feb. 5 by-election.

The recount was conducted by judge Victor Galbraith at the Quesnel courthouse.

“The judge decided the recount was 100 per cent accurate, however, given the legal system and laws required another draw of lots in conducting a judicial recount,” a Facebook comment from the district reads.

Also in attendance at the recount was chief elections officer Donna Forseille, deputized chief elections officer Lala Cripps and candidate Dorothea Funk.

The results reported on election night showed John Aitken had won after a drawing of lots.

McDonagh joined mayor Ed Coleman and councillors Jennifer Lewis, Mandy Kilsby and Funk on a new-look Wells council.

Every member of council besides Kilsby was sworn in at a council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Kilsby was the only member of the previous council not to resign, leaving the district three councillors and a mayor before the by-election.

The district’s next council meeting will take place on March 22.

READ MORE: Ed Coleman looking forward to next months as new mayor of Wells

Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: cassidy.dankochik@quesnelobserver.com


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