Mayor Andru McCracken will lead a new Valemount council that is otherwise all-female.

McCracken was elected mayor with 255 votes last weekend, 154 more than Jeannette Townsend, Valemount’s former mayor of 18 years, prior to 2008.

Joining McCracken on council are Sandy Salt (336 votes), Dallas Bullock (299 votes), Hollie Blanchette (293 votes) and Christine Latimer (233 votes).

Of the estimated 766 eligible voters in Valemount, 468 came out to cast their ballots, electing five candidates that are new to municipal politics.

McCracken is the station manager for Valemount Community Television. He was also the co-founder of the now-defunct Robson Valley Times. He says his experience as a reporter covering municipal politics in Valemount has prepared him well for the position of mayor.

Salt, although never on council, spent four and a half years as the village corporate officer. 

Before the election she said she was looking forward to the opportunity to speak up and make decisions, rather than just taking orders from council.

Bullock, of Tête Jaune Cache, runs a farm with her husband. She says she will be a fresh, youthful voice for council.

Blanchette, a library clerk, is involved in many community organizations, including the Valemount Marina Association, Valemount Crafters Guild and the Royal Canadian Legion branch 266. She said it’s her involvement and accessibility that make her an ideal candidate for council.

Latimer is the chair of the Valemount and Area Chamber of Commerce and manages the Best Western hotel. With her experience with businesses in the community, she says she will be able to provide important insight and support to council. 

There was a total of four candidates running for mayor and eight for council.

In the race for mayor, former councillor Cynthia Piper came in third with 57 votes, followed by fellow councillor Murray Capstick with 55.

The four unelected candidates for council were John Grogan (228 votes), Peter Reimer (121 votes), incumbent Rita Tchir (120 votes) and Stuart Tait (76 votes).

The mayor and council will be sworn in at their first meeting, which will be held Dec. 6.