I didn’t know what it was, but something was in the air Saturday.

Change, perhaps? I hoped so.

But I wasn’t sure if Quesnel voters were willing for change, especially when it came time to say yes or no to the proposed multi-centre referendum.

Were they willing to change for a better future, something that right now seems so abstract?

Were they willing to take a step into the unknown?

I took a drive around town Saturday to various polling stations. All of them were packed. Line-ups galore. Good.

Change was imminent around the council table.

I, as did the rest of the voting public, knew that come Sunday, the city would have to say goodbye to either a long-time mayor or to a long-time councillor.

One of them would either remain in the mayor’s seat or step down, and the other would either take over his seat or bow down.

I was torn. I had no idea how the ballots would be cast. All I knew is that it would be a tight race between Mayor Nate Bello and Coun. Mary Sjostrom.

And it was – 1,856 to 1,606 in favour of Sjostrom.

I’ll never forget my first meeting with Bello upon my arrival in the Gold Pan City in April, 2006.

The mayor’s office. I told him while reporting good news for the city is fine, I would also keep tabs on him and the city for the sake of readers and taxpayers. And it may not always be good news. That seemed to set the tone for the next two years.

We didn’t always see eye-to-eye on certain issues, but I always admired him for standing up for and fighting for Quesnel in front of provincial politicians.

One day in May I happened to play golf with him by chance. I wasn’t too sure what to think. I swallowed my pride. I wanted to play golf. It turns out the outgoing mayor is a pretty good golfer. It runs in his genes. We didn’t talk politics, only golf. When he had to leave after nine holes, he was kicking my butt by 10 strokes.

I met Sjostrom around the same time in 2006 and, knowing how quickly editors come and go at the Observer, she warned me I had to be around in November, 2008. Doing some math, I soon clued into what she was talking about – the mayor’s seat.

In the next two years, I could see she was putting her ducks in a row – her role on Union of B.C. Municipalities, North Central Municipal Association, Spirit of B.C. – becoming known in provincial government circles.

She too was criticized in the Observer’s pages over the years. And she let me know when she didn’t like it.

In the last two months I’ve gotten to know both Bello and Sjostrom a little bit better and they graciously gave the Observer and readers a glimpse into their lives with our up close and personal video features leading into the election.

While their leadership styles are different, I realized they each have something unique to offer to residents.

In final days leading up to Saturday, Bello did his best to earn votes. He risked his life as traffic sped by on Moffat Bridge and Dragon Lake Hill.

When I received initial word Saturday Sjostrom won the mayor’s seat without knowing the final tally, my heart sank. The change had occurred.

When I picked up reporter Autumn MacDonald from Bello’s camp at Shiraoi House Saturday night, she warned me not to go in and extend my condolences – everyone was crying.

When I saw Bello the next day, he put on a brave face. After 15 years of public office, it was time for a change, he said.

Sjostrom has a tough task ahead of her building unity between her supporters and those who backed Bello.

She also needs to deliver the financial goods from the province and feds when this community needs it the most.

She’ll have to strive to keep her campaign promises and lead Quesnel over the hurdles it faces the next three years.

I don’t know if we’ll play golf together for fun, but I’m sure there will be more opportunities for battle on other playing fields.

Andrea Johnson is editor of the Quesnel Cariboo Observer.