Jamie Myra elected as Town of Lunenburg mayor

Jamie Myra was elected mayor of the Town of Lunenburg, N.S., in a special election Saturday.

Myra received 811 votes, while runner-up Gale Fullerton received 377 votes, according to a news release from the town.

The special election was held because former mayor Matt Risser stepped down earlier this year.

Voter turnout was 59 per cent, the news release said.

Myra told CBC News that one of his priorities will be rebuilding trust with citizens. He said that in the past year there's been a divide where citizens don't feel town council is listening to them on matters such as a potential housing development and the potential sale of the Lunenburg Academy.

"I think you have to have more public engagement," said Myra. "You have to have some town-hall style meetings. Being the newly elected mayor, I might not like what I hear at some of the town-hall style meetings, but that's what you put your name on a ballot for when you decide to run for public office.

"Everything that we do in this community is for the people."

Myra previously served as a town councillor from 2000 to 2012. Myra is the owner of Stan's Dad and Lad Shop.

Myra will be sworn in at the next council meeting on Sept. 12.

Until then, Peter Mosher will continue as acting mayor.