A judicial recount declared Bill Karsten the winner in Halifax Regional Municipality’s District 3 [Dartmouth South - Eastern Passage] Wednesday afternoon.

The district has gone without an elected councillor since the Oct. 20 election because of a challenge to the close result by former MLA Don Chard.

Karsten says he’s excited to get to work but still has one more step before his title as District 3 Councillor is official.

“Well I still have to wait for the swearing in of course, which is scheduled for next Tuesday, “explains Karsten, “I’ll be looking forward to that so I can roll up my sleeves up and get to work.”

Outgoing Councillor Jackie Barkhouse says she’s glad the recount happened.

“To go through the process was a very interesting experience, to see democracy occur,” says Barkhouse.

She says she is back working with the school board and remains tight lipped about any plans to reoffer for elected office in the future.

The election night result initially saw Jackie Barkhouse declared the winner, but after an irregularity was detected by Elections Officer Cathy Mellet eventually named Bill Karsten the victor. Both were incumbents in the previous incarnation of Halifax Regional Council.

Justice Kevin Coady counted paper ballots by hand and an electronic report tabulated the phone and online votes.