There are many new names on Midland council, but a familiar face will be taking over the mayor’s chair.

Stewart Strathearn was elected to another term on council during the Oct. 22 municipal election and will be jumping from councillor to mayor. Strathearn received just over 40 per cent of the vote, edging out current councillor Jack Contin (35) and Bob Jeffery (25).

"I thought it was going to be a tight race between Jack and myself. Because there wasn't an incumbent it could have gone just about any way," said Strathearn.

Mike Ross retained the deputy mayor’s chair after receiving 52 per cent of the vote and narrowly defeating challenger Ruth Hackney.

Although the top two jobs were won by sitting members of council, there will be significant turnover with five newcomers joining the nine-member group.

In Ward 1, Jonathan Main retained his seat with 21.7 per cent of the vote, while Jim Downer (18.2) and Beth Prost (15.1) defeated seven other candidates including incumbent George MacDonald (14.9).

In Ward 2, incumbent Cody Oschefski led the way with 23.9 per cent of the vote, followed by newcomers Bill Gordon (16.9) and Carole McGinn Nichols (13.5). Incumbent Glen Canning (11.9) was one of six candidates defeated.

“I cried when I saw my name in bold,” said McGinn Nichols, who ran unsuccessfully in 2014. “I knew that there were these other valid, strong and wonderful people who had come forward. I am elated. It is really humbling.”

McGinn Nichols is one of four councillors completely new to municipal politics. She is hoping to be an advocate for all residents of Midland and bring back trust in council.

“We need to regain the trust of people,” said McGinn Nichols. “A lot of the concerns I was hearing was that people didn’t feel they were listened too. They didn’t feel there was enough transparency and enough effort.”