Gary Froats is ready to ready to roll up his sleeves and represent residents of Armstrong.
Froats received 237 votes during Saturday’s byelection compared to 216 for Adrien Lemaire, 82 for Gill Melin and 58 for Helen Jackson.
“I was quite pleased and I’m ready to go to work,” said Froats.
He will be sworn into office Nov. 28 but he meets Monday (today) with Mayor Chris Pieper.
“The city is running really well and my concentration will be to learn what’s going on,” he said.
Pieper is looking forward to Froats joining the council team.
“As a community, we’ve got a good volunteer. He’s been active and knows the community,” said Pieper.
“I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”
Froats moved to Armstrong nearly 40 years ago and he has owned several businesses. He spent 31 years as a volunteer firefighter, and is a life member of the Armstrong Kin Club.
Pieper admits there will be some adjustment for Froats as he learns municipal procedures and issues being addressed. However, Pieper says council and city staff are ready to bring Froats up to speed.
“He knows everyone on council and will blend in right away.”
The byelection became necessary after the death of longtime councillor Ron “Sully” O’Sullivan in May.