Manitoba

Surprise upset in St. Charles as voters turf incumbent

In a surprise upset, voters in St. Charles chose newcomer Shawn Dobson over incumbent Grant Nordman, who was first elected in 2006.

Shawn Dobson 'thrilled, nervous' after win over Grant Nordman

Grant Nordman consoles a supporter after his loss to Shawn Dobson Wednesday night. He had represented St. Charles since 2006. (CBC)

In a surprise upset, voters in St. Charles chose newcomer Shawn Dobson over incumbent Grant Nordman, who was first elected in 2006. 

"The people of St. Charles have decided they want change, and hey, negative campaigns work," Nordman told CBC. "We decided to take the high road. And as a wise man once told me, 'When you win, say little. And when you lose, say even less."

Dobson, the incoming councillor, said he worked hard to get elected, knocking on doors since July, and it finally paid off.

He said he's thrilled, but admitted he's a bit nervous about the new job.

"It's going to be hard at first cause I got to put both my feet in there," he said. "But I'm sure after a couple of months I'll have the swing of it."

Dobson said he's also not surprised to see other new faces on council.

He said residents told him they wanted change and more transparency at city hall.

Dobson has worked for the St. James School Division and has volunteered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.