UPDATED — Oct. 25, 11:24 p.m.
Though election results are not official until Oct. 26 at the earliest, the unofficial results declare mayoral challenger Marianne Matichuk the new mayor of the city of Greater Sudbury.
The tally does not become official until tomorrow, Matichuk won the mayor's seat 46.1 per cent of the vote, a total 25,042 votes.
At the Radisson Hotel, current Mayor John Rodriguez spoke to a crowd of supporters and campaign staff, taking the time to thank them for their support and hard work, as well as the sacrifices made by the families of his campaign volunteers.
"Tonight you indicated you were not satisfied with the plan council and I have laid out over the past four years," he said. "I believe in the political process, and I accept the judgement of the voters. You've signalled that you want a new direction, and new leadership at city hall."
Marianne Matichuk celebrates her win over mayoral incumbent John Rodriguez on Oct. 25. Though all polling stations have not yet reported, and results are not official until Oct. 26, victory is almost guaranteed. Photo by Laurel Myers.
Though Matichuk is not the first female mayor of the city, an honour owned by Grace Hartman, she is the first woman to be elected into the role as Hartman became Mayor after the death of Mayor Max Silverman.
Matichuk was a surprise contender in the municipal election. She is a former city employee, and is currently employed by Vale. She has approached the election with a business-like attitude and business-friendly platform.
She has also made heavy use of new media, including Facebook and Twitter. She criticized incumbent Mayor John Rodriguez on several points, including the Elton John ticket scandal, the St. Joseph's Hospital sale, his legacy projects and more.
