From The Portage Daily Graphic

Earl Porter is the new mayor of Portage la Prairie.

According to unofficial vote tallies, Porter won with 2007 votes compared to 1563 votes for Jeff Bereza and 237 for Matthew Gray.

Porter said he was happy to get the nod from Portage residents but was a little overwhelmed with the win.

“I just, I haven’t got words to explain,” Porter said as he celebrated at the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada club in Portage Wednesday. “It’s fantastic.”

Porter gave credit to his wife, his campaign team and his fellow candidates for a well-contested campaign.

“My wife was a big push to get me out and get out and knocking on doors and Dave Rodgers, my campaign manager did a fantastic job and my committee did a really good job. We really worked hard, we worked for six weeks steady, everyday and they did a really good job.”

Porter said all predictions he had heard leading up to the election were calling for a close race but Portagers have sent a clear message to him with the results.

Porter said his first priority as mayor would be to help the Centennial Community Club Inc. get started with using Centennial Arena again.

As for Bereza, he said the people of Portage have spoken and he respects the decision.

Reading from a prepared statement, he said; “First of all, I want to congratulate Earl Porter. I am disappointed, of course, but the people have spoken and I fully respect their choice. A lot can happen in four years and I wish Earl and the new council all the best.”

Matthew Gray could not be reached for comment.