Like 10 people observing the same car accident, everyone tells a slightly different version of events.

This past civic election was definitely a single-issue election, say some. It was about SmartCentres and nothing else.

This past civic election was about electing a mixed group to reflect the mixed opinions of the community, say others, no doubt.

Yet there is probably one thing everyone can agree on – this election attracted high interest. Although less than half the eligible voters voted, 47.8 per cent is considered high for a municipal election. About 5,700 people cared enough to line up for the 20 minutes or so it took most people to get to the registration tables. That, in itself, is commendable.

It's no surprise to me that Coun. Alan Harrison and Coun. Kevin Flynn tallied high votes – Flynn at 3,298 and Harrison at 3,222 – just 76 votes apart.

Harrison, to the view of someone who has observed dozens of council meetings, is always well-prepared, respectful, thoughtful and rational – a true leader. Flynn, also, knows his stuff and, though more inclined to let his passions show through, always has good, thorough arguments on which to base his decisions.

This year, Coun. Debbie Cannon topped the polls with 3,306, eight votes more than Flynn, 84 higher than Harrison. It's this result – both Flynn and Cannon together with high votes – that points to a single issue, as they were both in favour of the SmartCentres proposal. Although Cannon has worked behind the scenes, particularly on the environmental management committee, as a newcomer she certainly hasn't been a powerhouse like Harrison or Flynn.

Then, on the other hand, Harrison was opposed to the SmartCentres development as proposed, yet he tallied a close 3,222 – which weighs against people voting on just one issue. And one newcomer, Jeff Galbraith, who spoke in favour of bringing in Wal-Mart, garnered only 1,608 votes.

In terms of mayor, it could be interpreted that people voted on a single issue, in total giving the candidates in favour of the development strong support.

It could also be interpreted that people voted for the person, not just SmartCentres, spreading out their votes fairly evenly between candidates.

Like that car accident – to continue the unflattering analogy – this election can be viewed in more than one way.

In the end, Salmon Arm elected the same council, save for long-time councillor Marg Kentel who had vacated her seat to run for mayor. Salmon Arm did not vote for change, in councillors or mayor.

As one person joked, "What a lot of time and money just to elect Ken Jamieson."

It appears that people are satisfied with the team they elected to represent them three years ago.

Those candidates who ran – whether they won or lost – deserve thanks and congratulations. It's not easy to put yourself on display and leave a chunk of your future up to the whim of the voters. We're lucky to have 15 such committed citizens.

All the issues, including development, that they and other people brought up during the campaign, deserve the community's continued consideration.