Regina’s new Mayor is Sandra Masters.
The 50-year-old, who was in her third term as board chair of the Regina Exhibition Association Limited, but resigned from that position to seek the mayor’s chair, became the first woman elected to be mayor Monday night as she defeated Michael Fougere and seven others in the municipal election.
Masters received just over 46 per cent of the votes in the mayoral race.
Cheers could be heard at Masters’ headquarters on election night in Regina when volunteers and supporters realized she had enough votes to take the victory. Speaking to a smaller crowd than usual because of COVID-19 safety guidelines, she said she’s ready to move Regina forward.
“You’ve spoken to me about Regina needing change. I’ve heard you and we’re ready to realize our potential and tell our story of how amazing our community is,” said Masters.
Before she was able to address the media on hand for her speech at her headquarters, she stepped aside to take a brief phone call. She said it was Fougere on the phone.
The call was one of support and applause.
“He’s a dedicated servant to the public. He offered assistance if I ever wanted any like a true gentleman,” explained Masters. “He congratulated me and wished me luck.”
Fougere received 35.73 per cent of votes for mayor, followed by Jerry Flegel who came in third place with 7.9 per cent of the votes.
Masters is the second woman to serve as mayor in the Queen City. Doreen Hamilton did so for six weeks in 1988 when she took over from Larry Schneider who stepped down to enter the world of federal politics.
Masters ran on a platform that included a promise to build a $85 million aquatic centre in Regina, implementing an anti-poverty plan and finding 15 per cent savings in the city’s budget through increased efficiencies which she says will come without services having to be cut.
Fresh faces on city council
There are a few new councillors joining Masters on Regina city council following Monday’s election.
- Ward 1: Cheryl Stadnichuk defeats Barbara Young;
- Ward 6: Dan LeBlanc defeats Joel Murray;
- Ward 7: Terina Shaw defeats Sharron Bryce;
- Ward 8: Shanon Zachidniak wins (former Ward 8 councillor Mike O’Donnell did not seek re-election);
- Ward 10: Landon Mohl wins (former Ward 10 councillor Jerry Flegel ran for mayor).
Meet the 2020-2024 Regina Mayor & Council elect! Official results will be announced on Thursday, November 12. #yqrvotes pic.twitter.com/Y8u5e3aR1g
— City of Regina (@CityofRegina) November 10, 2020
Bob Hawkins (Ward 2), Andrew Stevens (Ward 3), John Findura (Ward 5) and Jason Mancinelli (Ward 9) will return as councillors after successfully earning re-election. Lori Bresciani, who serves as councillor for Ward 4, will also return on council after she was acclaimed.
Results from the 2020 Regina municipal and school board election can be found on the city’s election website.
(With files from Moises Canales)