Chicken farmer and realtor Chris Kloot, 35, is one of two new faces on Chilliwack city council.
"It's humbling and I'm excited to get to work for this great city," he told The Progress on Monday after the election.
He grew up on a dairy farm, and went into real estate about 10 years ago, before embarking on chicken farming.
Kloot said he entered the election fray knowing that 11 candidates would not be successful, and only six would make it.
"I was cautiously optimistic," he said, about his chances. "But I worked it hard, and am a clean slate, never having held office before."
He's passionate about agriculture, and was a member of Chilliwack's agricultural advisory committee. He took the task of running for a council seat to heart and spent a lot of time knocking on doors.
"I guess I'm an easy going and approachable guy and that resonated with people," he said. "I'm not scared of hard work."
The newbies have a steep learning curve ahead, however.
"For Sam and myself, it will take some time to get acquainted with the position," he said.
Sam Waddington, 25, was the top vote getter, earning 8680 votes.
He owns the Vedder Road store, Mt. Waddington's Outdoors, and has long considered himself a big Chilliwack supporter.
"The future for this community is so bright, and it is my aim to help us to realize all that is in store for us to build the best City possible," he posted the day after his election win.
"It's pretty outrageous," Waddington tells The Progress, when asked what he thought about coming in as the top vote getter amongst all the candidates, new and incumbent.
He pledges to earn the continued trust of each citizen of Chilliwack.
"I'm coming into it with a bunch of enthusiasm, but I am cognizant that I am new and I aim to keep my mouth shut and learn, so I can make good informed change."
Chilliwack has "spoken" by electing some younger candidates to city council, said Waddington.
"The young approach maybe setting some precedent, and I think Chilliwack has asked for change, and I'm excited to see that."
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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