ST. MARY’S — Two long-time councillors were unseated and fresh faces elected in the Municipality of the District of St. Mary’s with the Oct. 19 vote.
Warden Greg Wier lost his council seat in a realigned District 4 to Scott Beaver, president of the St. Mary’s River Association (SMRA), while municipal newcomer Emma Tibbo defeated Everett Baker, a three-term councillor, in District 1, which was also reconfigured for the 2024 election.
“When we have the opportunity to vote, it’s important,” Beaver said, “so I want to kindly thank all the people who took the time to vote. I am ready to work with my new team in St. Mary’s, representing District 4 with new vigour.”
Beaver finished with 149 votes, compared to 60 for Wier.
The outgoing warden shared his thoughts with The Journal in an email: “It’s been an amazing experience to be a councillor and warden these last four years,” he said. “I’ve done my absolute best to keep our municipality strong [and] I’ve supported a long list of great changes and improvements.”
He thanked his fellow councillors and municipal staff for four great years, while congratulating the newly elected council and wishing them the best for their upcoming term.
Tibbo said she had a feeling it was going to be a tight race, adding it was exciting to see the outcome after putting in the work to run in the election.
“When they called me to let me know I had won, I was happy, proud and feeling joyful that my community has put their faith in me,” she said in an email.
Tibbo finished with 139 votes, while Baker garnered 96.
Noting that she is excited to get to work, Tibbo congratulated all candidates who put forward their names. Along with commending Baker for “his years of representing our community,” she offered “special thanks” to her family.
“Thank you for taking the time to vote and make a difference. Now, it is time to put the real work in,” Tibbo said, while recognizing her supporters and the community for their “encouragement and belief” in her.
Baker, in conversation with The Journal, said, “I’m disappointed, but that is how things go,” while congratulating Tibbo on her victory.
He added, “She will enjoy the challenges, I’m sure. I am thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to serve the municipality and my district for 12 years. All the best to my successor.”
Deputy Warden James Fuller – in a realigned District 5 – collected 114 votes in retaining his seat at the council table.
Councillors Beulah Malloy (District 3) and Dana O’Connell (District 2) were acclaimed.
The newly elected St. Mary’s council will elect a warden and deputy warden at its swearing-in ceremony and inaugural meeting, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 4 p.m.
