Mayor-elect Jade McBride

BIG WATER – Jade McBride is the mayor-elect of Big Water after receiving 105 votes from the 175 people who came to the polls on Nov. 3.

“I am humbled and honored to know that many people have confidence in me,” McBride said. “I’m really excited – I feel that we are on the verge of new opportunities in our town.”

McBride had little competition from write-in candidates Henry Alexander, who received 28 votes and Michelle Tenney, who received 8 votes. Dropping out of the mayoral race due to health issues, Carl Powell still received 10 write-in votes.

“I am super grateful for all the people who did the work to make the election happen,” McBride said. “I think it made a difference that Henry and Michelle got out there wanting to be write-ins after Carl dropped out. It was their responsibility to keep on trying because they were the ones who ran against me in the primary.

“Their running is proof that our system can work.”

The new town council members who will be sworn in at noon on Jan. 4, 2010, are Stewart Joseph and Jennie Lassen.

Joseph received 106 votes and Lassen received 90 votes. Joseph and Lassen vied for the seats against Norma Hirschi, who received 45 votes, and Denise Muse, who received 40 votes.

Town Clerk Genia Joseph was pleased with the high voter turnout in Big Water.

“I am really glad that so many people showed up,” Genia said. “We were up there with American Idol when it comes to voters.

“I really have to thank the election judges. They were fabulous and made the whole day enjoyable. There were no spoiled ballots.”

McBride’s first task as mayor-elect is cleaning out the old mayor’s office at the Town Hall. Current Mayor Rick Parsons opted not to keep an office, so the room has been used as a closet and is full of clutter.

“I’m going to help clean it out and turn it back into the mayor’s office because I want to be here where people can feel free to come in to see me and talk to me,” McBride said. “I want an open door with people so I need to make myself accessible.”

Besides attending orientations and training, the newly elected town council members will also be serving dinner to veterans at the Big Water School on Nov. 11.

“This is a good way for the new council members to start off by getting out there and showing their support of the town,” said Genia, who has hosted the dinner for six years.



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