They were once co-workers tasked with covering the headlines - now they'll be partnering up to make them.

Longtime retired journalists Craig Hodge and Terry O'Neill represent the two new faces on Coquitlam council, replacing outgoing councillors Barrie Lynch and Doug Macdonell.

Hodge received the second-highest amount of votes among councillors Saturday with 9,424, while O'Neill finished seventh with 7,566.

Hodge ran on a platform of manageable growth practices, fiscal restraint and enhanced public safety. Surrounded by his wife and three sons, he was taken aback by Saturday's numbers as he watched them unfold on the monitors at City Hall.

"I think one of the things that resonated with voters was the fact that I've spent 36 years as a photojournalist here in the community, so I have seen the issues," he said. "Even though I'm a newcomer to council, I'm going to bring a wealth of community experience here."

O'Neill made good on his second foray into the political arena, as the 60-year-old finished 660 votes behind Neal Nicholson in the 2010 byelection before Saturday's win. His platform consisted of promises to rein in municipal spending and reduce property taxes.

"I want more fiscal responsibility at the city," said O'Neill, a longtime journalist and writer. "Clearly, I heard everywhere I went across Coquitlam in the last two and a half months, that the property tax increases over the last several years have been way too high."

And while the victors plotted their next course of action, so too did those who will be leaving council chambers.

Both Barrie Lynch and Doug Macdonell told The NOW in separate interviews that Saturday's losses do not necessarily mean an end to their political careers.

"I haven't really given [my future] much thought," Lynch said. "My intention was to lead the city, but that's not happening so I will consider anything that comes forward in my future. I've enjoyed being in politics. Some really rewarding things happen when you see projects that you feel good about or that you're voting towards and you see things come to fruition in the city."

Macdonell's inability to retain a seat Saturday came espite the fact that he got more votes this year than he did in 2008 when he held down the eighth and final councillor spot. On Saturday, he captured 7,439 votes compared to the 7,255 he received three years ago.

"When I got on council, I got on because I was involved in the sports community.

There weren't enough sports facilities and there were some issues with maintenance with some facilities, and all of that has been addressed," he said.

Macdonell noted that he will likely continue volunteering with city groups in some capacity and didn't rule out making another run at a council position.

"If they think they're rid of me that easy, they're wrong," he said laughing. "I'll still be there to hold their feet to the fire. It's too important to me to not be looking over their shoulders."

Monday's council meeting was the last one for both outgoing councillors, though Macdonell opted not to attend.

jkurucz@thenownews.com