MIDDLETON, N.S. — Pub and bistro owner John Bartlett became Middleton’s newest councilor after a close race to fill the seat left vacant by former councilor Brad Reid.
Bartlett received 119 votes, just 10 ahead of fellow candidate Mark MacFadyen at 109, and 17 more than Dan Smith who picked up 102 votes. The fourth candidate, Philip Townsend collected 47 votes. Voting closed at 7 p.m. March 30.
Returning officer Krista Toole said two ballots were spoiled.
The total number of votes cast was 379. Toole said that was 28.4 per cent voter participation. She said that level of voter participation in a municipal special or bi-election is typically unheard of.
“I want to thank everyone for their confidence in me,” said Bartlett on his personal Facebook account. “I would also like to say thanks to my running mates, you made it a close race.”
Bartlett, who was working Saturday evening, said “I just want to say thanks to everyone and I won’t let you down.”
Reid, who was elected in October of 2016 during province-wide municipal elections, moved outside town limits because of job requirements, causing his seat to become vacant.
“My interest in council is simple,” said Bartlett during the campaign. “Middleton has been very welcome and supportive of me and my business. I feel this is a way for me to give back in a meaningful way and where I could have the biggest impact for the community as a whole.”
Bartlet owns the Capitol Pub and Bistro 300 in Middleton.
Electronic voting started on March 21 and continued 24/7 until 7 p.m. on March 30. Ordinary polling day was March 30 with a polling station at the Middleton Fire Hall from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
