There are some sweeping changes to report from the South Shore after last night's municipal election. Rachel Bailey was elected mayor in Lunenburg after defeating Ron Stockton in convincing fashion. She will serve as the first female mayor in the historic town following an impressive run by Laurence Mawhinney spanning 33 years. Mawhinney announced his retirement from municipal politics in the summer. Meanwhile, in the most heated race on and off the campaign trail, Don Downe was elected to a second term as mayor for the Municipality of Lunenburg. Downe defeated his opponent Kirk Meisner in landslide fashion by a margin of over 4,000 votes. In Bridgewater, veteran politician David Walker will be sworn in as Bridgewater's new mayor after a hard fought race against challenger Gary McNeil. In Queens, Christopher Clarke will return to the mayor's chair after a 12 year absence from municipal politics. Clarke will take over from outgoing mayor John Leefe. Residents in Shelburne elected Karen Mattatall to serve as their new mayor for the town. Mattatall defeated incumbent Al Delaney for the top job in Shelburne. In Chester, Allen Webber was re-elected in District 4 serving Chester Basin. He will join newcomers Andre Veinotte and Tina Connors on the new council combined with three other incumbents. Brad Armstrong also retained his seat representing residents of the Village of Chester. The new Chester council will select their warden during the next council meeting.
