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Justin Swandel (ARIELLE GODBOUT)

Incumbent Justin Swandel kept his St. Norbert council seat in 
Wednesday's civic election, despite facing a challenger who rode a wave of 
residential dissent over a proposed new Winnipeg Blue Bombers stadium.

With 100% of polls reporting, unofficial numbers showed that Swandel 
earned 8,754 of 15,646 votes — or 56%. (All results were unofficial at time of posting. They will be made official at noon Oct. 28 by the city's chief elections officer.)

May meanwhile garnered 6,892 votes or 44%.

"You never know what’s going to happen in elections, and this was a 
lot closer than some of the other elections I’ve been in during my 
short political career," Swandel said after the unofficial results were tabulated.

Swandel, considered a strong supporter of Mayor Sam Katz, ran his re-election 
campaign with high praise for the direction the city is already 
taking - especially on crime and financial management.

He also promised to continue with the renewal of local recreation and 
wellness amenities.

The incumbent added while there was some "misinformation" during the 
election coming from citizens groups upset over the yet-to-be-built 
stadium, he welcomed the competition provided by challenger Louise May - even 
acknowledging he was "really worried" at times during the race.

The results show that work still needs to be done addressing the 
worries of some residents when it comes to the stadium, Swandel added.

"There’s obviously some concerns going forward surrounding the 
stadium," he said.

"I’ve got a pretty good idea of what the issues are and how to solve 
them," he added.

May’s campaign focused on a perceived lack of public 
consultation over the stadium. She also addressed business, environmental issues and community 
safety.

"I'm disappointed of course. I'm very concerned for the community," 
May said after conceding victory to Swandel on Wednesday evening.

May - who threw her support behind mayoral challenger Judy 
Wasylycia-Leis - said she would continue to be a voice for residents 
and fight for other issues that voters voiced concern about, such as 
the city’s water and waste contract with Veolia and overall planning 
in the area.

"I’ll continue to be a leader in the community, and perhaps even more 
now," she said.

Swandel’s margin of victory this year was considerably less then during the last 
municipal election.

In the 2006, Swandel easily won over challenger Glenda Whiteman, 
earning 71.9% of the vote.

The St. Norbert ward - which includes a large portion of south St. 
Vital - has 47,650 residents.