Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen is back for another term as President for Association of Manitoba Municipalities.

Delegates at the 18th annual AMM convention in Winnipeg gave Goertzen an overwhelming majority in Tuesday's election. Goertzen took 442 votes, while challenger Doug Dobrowolski claimed 199 votes.

"It's been a real pleasure these last sixteen months to serve as your President," Goertzen told delegates. "This has been an important time for us as municipalities and I believe firmly that our effectiveness over the next two years will be crucial to the future of municipalities across the province."

Goertzen has been on Steinbach city council since 2002, the last ten years as Mayor. He has served with AMM in various capacities the last six years. From 2011 to 2012, he was Administration Committee Chair, followed by Municipal Policy Committee Chair from 2012 to 2013. Goertzen became Eastern Urban District Rep in 2010, Vice President in 2014 and then President in July of 2015.

"I'm committed to be a strong advocate for municipalities as we work with the new provincial government," says Goertzen. "These past number of months we have worked hard to build strong, constructive relationships not only with the new MLA's as well as the new Premier."

Goertzen says he has helped advance the betterment of municipalities across the province and wants to continue to move this forward on behalf of municipalities.

"Whether it's bridges in the RM of Mountain, or doctor shortages in Melita or economic development challenges that Pinawa faces or waste water treatment in Portage La Prairie, we need partnerships with the provincial government to solve them," he says.

Goertzen notes AMM is a model used across Canada and if municipalities can speak with one voice, it can be far more effective.

"We can achieve far more with one strong voice," says Goertzen.