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It was a bittersweet turning of the page Monday night as four city councillors bid adieu to their colleagues.

Deputy mayor Norah Davidson-Wright, Coun. Cathy MacLaggan, and councillors Walter Brown and Tommy Jellinek closed the book on their political experience.

Davidson-Wright and MacLaggan were defeated in Monday's election, while Brown and Jellinek, with 19 and 16 years of political service respectively, retired from public service.

"It is indeed a bittersweet moment. I've enjoyed my 16 years, but the time has come to move on," Jellinek said.

He thanked voters in his ward and his family for their support. He said while much has been accomplished, more still needs to be done to address infrastructure needs in Ward 9.

MacLaggan took her defeat with grace, saying it's important to have active participation in politics from a variety of people.

"It's a healthy thing to have a lot of new faces involved. I have learned a great deal since coming to council,'' MacLaggan said.

"I actually leave with a whole new perspective not only on the city, but on city government, provincial government and federal government.''

University student Jordan Graham won MacLaggan's Ward 11 seat.

"This has kind of been a selfish hobby for me. I've been fortunate to have the support of all Frederictonians and my own community of Marysville," said Brown.

He said he worked with three good mayors and a lot of great councils and he wished the new city council well.

"You'll have lots of challenges, but you'll meet them. It's been a privilege to work with all of you over the years," Brown said.

Davidson-Wright, who turns her Ward 4 seat over to newcomer Eric Megarity, thanked Devon voters for supporting her 10 years in public office. She credited the team work of the outgoing council and the support of city staff for accomplishments over the past decade.

"I feel a bit like a kid at the beginning of summer," she joked amidst tears. Whatever is ahead, Davidson-Wright said she'll always keep city interests at heart.

"This is my city and I am so proud of it," she said.

"I want to echo Coun. MacLaggan and congratulate everybody that ran and ran because they do believe in this city, to make it a better place," said Mayor Brad Woodside.

"It's no secret I think this council has been amazing ...

"This council was focused collectively as 13 people and we've had one of the best four years this city has ever had.''

All of the outgoing councillors thanked city staff members for their guidance and support.

"The glue that keeps us all together is the staff," Woodside said.

"Life will go on. The city will continue to forge ahead."

Steven Hicks becomes the new Marysville representative on council, while Stephen Chase will replace Jellinek.