Gary Clark claims victory in Quispamsis, ousting Murray Driscoll

Gary Clark was elected the new mayor of Quispamsis on Monday night, defeating two-term incumbent Murray Driscoll by a mere 211 votes.

Thelocal businessman and two-term councilloredged out Driscoll with 2,411 votes, compared to 2,200.

Clark spent Tuesday morning standing along the highway,thanking voters from the town for his "nailbiter" win.

"We were leading the polls and the results were overwhelming, but I'm very pleased," Clark toldInformation Morning Saint John, as vehicles drove past.

"Running against an incumbent, I thought it would be close, but we ran a very hard, clean campaign."

Clark campaigned on leading a more transparent municipal government by eliminating some of the discussions about town business going on behind closed doors.

He also pledged to control spending,concentrate on infrastructure, roads,andsewer system upgrades, and encourage morecollaboration with neighbouringRothesay.

Clark says he's excited to get the new council together to talk about the issues facing the town.

I'm feeling overwhelmed, very happy, excited, I'm really looking forward to working with the residents ofQuispamsisand moving the town forward.- Gary Clark, Quispamsis mayor-elect

"I'm feeling overwhelmed, very happy, excited, I'm really looking forward to working with the residents of Quispamsisand moving the town forward, increasing growth in the town and just excited to get started," he said.

"We need to move forward with what people were saying."

The town's zero-tolerance approach to animal control was another issue that came up repeatedly at the door, Clark said.

The bylaw is a touchy subject among many pet owners, who feel town employees are making assessments on their animals without anything in place to properlystudy their behaviour.

Clark says he plans to raise the issue with the new council.

"I heard people on both sides with concerns We'll have a look, see if we can make it better, see what changes we can make, if any," he said.

Driscolltook to social media on Tuesday,thanking the community for their support during his time in office.

The other mayoral candidate,Beth A. Fitzpatrick finished the night with 526 votes, according to Elections New Brunswick.

Six of the seven elected councillors are incumbents. Sean Luck is the only new face.

The other council members include:

• Libby O'Hara
• Beth Thompson
• LisaM.Loughery
• Emil T. Olsen
• Kirk Miller
• J. PierreRioux

There are 13,190 eligible voters in Quispamsis.