Craig, 19, elected to Kelowna Council

Elisha Dacey - Nov 28, 2009 Castanet:

Kelowna residents have elected their youngest councillor ever in the 2009 by-election. Kevin Craig, 19, says he's not surprised he beat out older, more experienced candidates. "I worked as hard as I could. I learned last election that every single vote counts. I knew that if I outworked the other candidates and I knocked on as many doors as I could, I'd be able to pull it out, and I did. "I think I was able to offer a skill set that's currently lacking on council. I think I've got an innovative approach to problem solving, and I think that I really showed that I've done my homework." Craig says he has spent the last two years attending council meetings and learning the ropes as much as an outsider could. "I have no idea how to thank you all," he told his supporters at his victory party at Manteo Resort. Craig thanked his volunteers for countless hours of door-knocking, including more than 10 hours of door-knocking today, which he partially credits for his win.

Runner-up Todd Sanderson was also celebrating a close win, coincidentally right next door to Craig at Manteo Resort. Sanderson says that he's disappointed that he came in second. "Well, you don't run to lose, so obviously I'm not happy to lose," he says. "But I'm happy to finish as well as I did." Sanderson came in second place with 2,427 votes, about 400 votes behind Craig's 2,863.