Julie Baschuk won the election by only five votes. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Incoming Council

Baschuk to become Air Ronge mayor after decades of Stomp leadership

Nov 10, 2020 | 4:59 PM

After more than four decades in the top spot in Air Ronge, Gordon Stomp lost his position as mayor to Julie Baschuk by a margin of only five votes.

Baschuk, who previously served as the village’s deputy-mayor, won the election with 192 votes to Stomp’s 187. She’ll be joined on council by Kristy McDougall with 254 votes, Corey Hardcastle (re-elected) with 237, Terry DesRoches (re-elected) with 211 and Tabitha Burr with 163.

“The five-vote difference, I don’t take that lightly and I acknowledge the 187 votes that were in favour of Gordon Stomp,” Baschuk said. “I think it shows that the community is ready to see some change, but in that they are very cautious in how that will be to move forward. I think it shows respect towards Gordon and what he has invested and created in this community.”

With that being said, Baschuk noted Air Ronge is a growing community with young families who are making investments in the village. She added voters were ready to embrace a fresh perspective and new way of leadership.

When Baschuk began campaigning in October, she asked residents to take a leap of faith and made a commitment to focus on increased community safety. She also told voters she wanted Air Ronge to remain an affordable place to live.

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“I see an opportunity that the village needs a stronger vision and a stronger plan, and I felt I was best-suited to make that happen, along with our newly-elected council and administration,” Baschuk said.

Julie Baschuk with Tabitha Burr (left) and Kristy McDougall (right) on election night. (Julie Baschuk/Facebook)

When reached by larongeNOW, Stomp admitted defeat and explained he was surprised by the results. He said he could have done more campaigning, but wished Baschuk all the best as mayor.

“They want to set their own path, so good luck to them,” Stomp said. “There were a lot of the issues in the community, and a lot of the development and infrastructure. I was here before it began and fought for whatever we have here. We’re a small community, but there is lots to do yet. I hope things work out for the best, and they keep our community respectable and somewhat looked up to for a northern community.”

The new council will be sworn-in Thursday evening.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno