Patricia Heintzman calls herself an accidental politician, but on Saturday night (Nov. 15) she took the municipality’s top political spot, defeating incumbent mayor Rob Kirkham by almost 300 votes (2,900 to 2,611) to become the mayor-elect.
“I don’t really fit the stereotype,” Heintzman told The Squamish Chief.
She noted that it was her brother who wanted to be a politician and who is a good public speaker, not her.
“But that is OK, I think we underestimate people when we stereotype them,” she said.
Heintzman had barely arrived at the gallery when she got the call from her campaign manager at 8:14 p.m., 14 minutes after the polls closed, that she had won. Gathered supporters, many still in their jackets after having just arrived, burst into applause at the news.
“I think people were really excited about the election and excited about voting and democracy is decided by those who show up — and people showed up,” Heintzman said.
Some in the crowd told the Chief they were pleasantly surprised, while others said Heintzman’s win was expected.
Supporter Matt Blackmon couldn’t contain his enthusiasm.
“I am absolutely ecstatic. I think we need a change in Squamish and change is going to come, hopefully.”
Cheryl MacNaughton was equally happy, but less surprised by the win.
“I thought it would have been crazy if she didn’t win, based on her experience and how she presented herself at the all-candidates meetings,” said MacNaughton.
Minutes later, before gathered supporters could fully celebrate the mayoral news, the council winners were announced. The unofficial newly elected councillors are Doug Race, Jason Blackman-Wulff, Ted Prior, Karen Elliott, Peter Kent and Susan Chapelle.
“I think it is a strong council. I think there is diversity on there. There are people from different age groups and spectrums. I think it is great,” Heintzman said.
Re-elected councillor Ted Prior said he was happy Heintzman won and blamed Rob Kirkham’s inability to collaborate for his loss of the mayor’s seat.
“You have to be a team and he is not a team player. Unfortunately, because he is a great guy, a really nice guy,” Prior said.
Heintzman said although there are issues that may divide the community and the council, she looks forward to getting everyone working together.
“I think there are a few issues that, you know, people are polarized on and the most prominent is the liquefied natural gas project, but I think on other things, I think we are more connected than we think we are,” she said.
“Regardless of what happens [with LNG] — it is not a huge amount of jobs — we need to be proactively diversifying our economy and making sure we have the land base to do it and figuring out exactly what our human capital is so we can achieve those things, but… I really do think that everyone can prosper in this community if we are all pulling in the same direction,” she said.
All election results were to be made official by 4 p.m., Nov. 19.
Past mayors
Prior to current Mayor Rob Kirkham, Squamish mayors have included Greg Gardner (2008–2011); Ian Sutherland (2003–2008); Corinne Lonsdale (1994–2002); Egon Tobus (1991–1993 and 1983–1987); Phil Turner (1988–1990); William Elliott (1981–1984); Izzy Boscariol (1980), Pat Brennan (1969–1974 and 1977–79) and Dave Stewart (1975-1976).
Please note this article has been corrected since it was first posted.
