Sherbrooke has first new mayor in 15 years
Last Updated: Monday, November 2, 2009 | 6:21 AM ET
CBC News
Longtime city councilor Bernard Sévigny is the new mayor of Sherbrooke. (CBC)With a margin of only 122 votes separating him from his closest competitor, Bernard Sévigny has been elected mayor of Sherbrooke.
It is the first time in 15 years that the city has had a new mayor. Jean Perreault, who has held the title since 1994, announced he would not seek re-election.
Sévigny, a city councillor for the past eight years, squeezed past former radio personality Hélène Gravel with 34.4 per cent of the vote.
Gravel, who was making her second attempt for the mayor's job, had promised more public consultation if elected.
Sévigny was the only one of the five candidates for mayor with any experience on council.
The leader of the Renouveau Sherbrookois Party was also the only candidate to run under the banner of a party.
Sévigny, who often butted heads with Perreault on council, had promised additional transparency and more public consultation.
There was no immediate word on whether Gravel would challenge the election results.
