No changes on Guysborough district council despite expense revelations

Voters in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough are sticking with the council they know.

All four of the councillors who faced a challenge on Saturday's municipal election ballot were returned to the office, while the other four were returned by acclamation.

District 1 incumbent Miles MacDonald bested Ray Bates, and Sheila Pelly topped Mary Desmond to hold her seat in District 2. In District 7, Rickey McLaren outpaced Bob Young, while Fin Armsworthy returns as councillor for District 8 after topping Rhonda Bennett and Carl Bond.

Neil Decoff, Blair George, Janet Peitzsche and Vernon Pitts, who was the warden, were all returned to office by acclamation.

Questionable expenses not a factor

The municipality's council came under fire earlier this year following revelations about expenses for trips and meals while doing council business, but it appears to have had no impact at the ballot box.

Armsworthy, who has been outspoken on the subject in the past, said he's pleased to have another chance for his voice to be heard at the council table.

"People want to be informed. They want to hear from their councillor and they want to know what's going on in their area," he said. "That's the kind of way I've always prided myself [on being] and I don't plan on changing."

He said the issue of expenses is still being examined and if there are any legal issues they'd be addressed as they arise.