Sheryl Armstrong handily won a byelection Saturday to fill a seat on Nanaimo city council.

The Saskatchewan-born candidate, who recently retired after 35 years as an RCMP officer, defeated 12 others with 3,611 votes, according to preliminary results posted on the City of Nanaimo website.

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Armstrong’s experience includes strategic planning and training in conflict mediation and resolution, which could come in handy in the wake of recent infighting and political turmoil on council.

During her campaign, she listed economic development, a mental-health strategy, fiscal responsibility and seeking community input as priorities.

“Unfortunately, I feel the community has lost its voice at Nanaimo city council, and that needs to be changed,” Armstrong recently said in a statement online. Nanaimo Mayor Bill McKay said he welcomed the addition of Armstrong to the table.

“Sheryl is a very strong candidate, very articulate, and she’s got a very good reputation in the community from her service as a police officer,” he said. “I don’t think she’ll put up with any nonsense. I believe she’ll vote independently based on the issues, and the issues only.”

Fred Pattje, a former Nanaimo councillor who got to know Armstrong well during his two terms, said her victory was just what the municipality needs.

“This is a really good night for Nanaimo, finally,” said Pattje, a member of OurNanaimo, a grassroots, non-partisan group of citizens that says it’s focused on improving governance and city planning.

Thirteen candidates had been declared for the seat that became available after Wendy Pratt resigned for personal reasons in April.

Contenders included Brunie Brunie, Sacia Burton, Leon Cake, Kevin Cantelon, Jim Mercier, Noah Routley, Neil Saunders, Fred Statham, Kevin Storrie, Alexis Taylor Middleton, Al Thompson and Kelly Whiteside.

Voter turnout was 10.97 per cent of registered voters, compared to 10.1 for the 2011 byelection.

A total of 7,390 valid votes were cast.

Official results will be declared July 12.

mreid@timescolonist.com