There's a serious learning curve ahead but the two newest members of Chilliwack city council are raring to go.
Councillors Ken Popove and Jason Lum finished second and third respectively for highest number of votes in the 2011 municipal election.
"I can't believe the support I got," said Popove. He earned 4,876 votes, second only to Chuck Stam, who was re-elected with 5,386 votes as top vote-getter.
Lum told The Progress he's been struggling to find a more original verb than "humbling," to describe his reaction to getting 4,423 votes.
"I had fun with the campaign and am excited about the future," he said. "My face hurts from smiling so much."
Several supporters told them they had never voted before in a municipal election.
"It's something you don't take lightly," Lum said. "I feel the weight of that responsibility."
He was disappointed with the 15 per cent voter turnout, but resolved to raise the number of voters for next time.
"I will strive to improve civic engagement," Lum said. "The work begins now."
Lum's victory celebration was at the Coast, and he also attended an important community fundraiser that night. He credits his win to his team of friends, family and supporters.
Popove's victory celebration was at Bravo Restaurant, where he watched the polls come in with family and friends.
"I want to do what I can to help keep Chilliwack moving forward," he said.
Given his tenure at the helm of the Downtown Chilliwack BIA, the future of the downtown will certainly remain a priority for him.
"I want to see the Health Contact Centre project come to fruition. It has the potential to be a huge plus for social issues in the downtown."
Popove says as a "newbie" there's always lots to learn, but he's ready for the challenge.
"I'm looking forward to working with the whole team, and am happy the incumbents got in."
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
twitter.com/CHWKjourno