In the largest election turnout in recent memory, Chris Cerino, chair of the Chestertown Planning Commission, has won the mayor’s seat with 45 percent of the popular vote.
Cerino was one of seven candidates seeking the seat of retiring Mayor Margo Bailey.
In Ward 1, Liz Gross beat incumbent Councilman Jim Gatto by a 2-1 margin. Gross took 220 votes to Gatto’s 127. There are 81 absentee ballots yet to be counted in Ward 1, which is not enough to overtake Gross if all went to Gatto.
In Ward 3, eight-term incumbent Mabel Mumford-Pautz lost her seat to Sam Shoge of Coventry Farms. Shoge, 24, took Ward 3 with 196 votes. Mumford-Pautz won 114 votes and Alex Smolens took a distant third place finish with 46 votes.
There are 24 absentee ballots left to be counted in Ward 3, which is not enough to overtake Shoge, who led Mumford-Pautz by 82 votes when the polls closed.
Chestertown Mayor’s Race Results
Chris Cerino 534
Bill Arrowood 243
Linda Kuiper 228
Sarah Johnson Brown 90
Armond Fletcher 37
Holly Geddes 19
Thomas Hayman 7
Ward 1
Liz Gross 220
Jim Gatto 127
Ward 3
Sam Shoge 196
Mabel Mumford-Pautz 114
Alex Smolens 46
Total votes cast in the election less absentee ballots: 1166
Ed Smith says
Editor,
I hear a pulse! Looking forward with great hope for a revitalized C-town.
Carl Gallegos says
Editor,
Yes indeed, there is definitely an new pulse! Hopefully,the remaining incumbent will get on board with this welcome change.
Mike Thielke says
Editor,
Following Salisbury’s lead, it’s good to see Chestertown passing the torch of leadership to a younger generation. It’s long overdue for 20-, 30- and 40-somethings to play a lead role in the economic and community development of the town. May more communities on the Eastern Shore follow this example.
Jane E. Hukill says
Editor,
How wonderful to see such an exciting election. I must agree that is exciting to see young folks stepping up to the plate. They are to be congratulated and the voters are to be praised for turning out in large numbers. Kent County is alive and well!