Purcell's ready and rarin' to go
ST. STEPHEN - St. Stephen was the only town in Charlotte County that chose a newcomer over a reoffering mayor.
Allan Gillmor, who served as mayor from 1989 to 2001 and again from 2007 until now, received 539 votes.
Jed Purcell, a retired businessman who has never been involved with municipal politics, won 767 votes.
In his crisp red suit jacket and sunglasses, Purcell was wearing a wide smile Tuesday morning.
He said he's a quick learner, a fast reader and is ready to do the work it will take to get up to speed.
As mayor, Purcell said his priority is to come up with and implement a vision and strategic plan for the border community.
"I think we are doing a lot of things and it needs to be pulled together," said Purcell. "We need to know where the town is going and where the town centre is. I don't think we know that."
He said there is a lot of planning and consulting that has to be done before the town can decide what it will become in the future.
After sitting in on council and committee meetings in the weeks before announcing his candidacy, Purcell said he saw some administrative things he would like to change.
Streamlining is necessary, he said, to make meetings shorter and more productive.
He will have to spend some time in the system before deciding what to change but Purcell said after years as a bank executive, he learned there is nothing that can not be improved when you hold a light up to it.
St. Stephen has struggled with water quality issues, roads that need repairs, businesses that have closed shop, a high tax rate and an economy that has been directly impacted by the United States.
To bring more revenue into the community Purcell said he is going to work with the provincial government to try and extend the town's boundaries.
"I think what people really want is a renewal," said Purcell. "I'm going to try and give them a renewal."
Gillmor said he offered his services to the community this election but decided not to campaign. When it came down to judgment day Gillmor said that decision cost him the election.
"I think he campaigned and I didn't."
But if he had to do it again he wouldn't do anything differently.
"You are disappointed when you lose but I would encourage the new mayor to do the best job he can and I think things will work out," said Gillmor. "I think it (Purcell's lack of experience) is a concern. I think a mayor should have a stint on council before they become mayor but I'm sure he will rise to the occasion. To me, it does slow things down for awhile."
The swearing in ceremony will be held on June 11, and the new council's first meeting will be on the third Monday of June.
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