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GAGETOWN - Oromocto High School teacher Randy Smith defeated former Fundy Royal MP Bob Corbett in a hard-fought mayoral race in Gagetown.

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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Mayor-elect Randy Smith of Gagetown celebrates his victory with wife Tanya on Monday night in Gagetown.

A battle that seemed too close to call turned out to be a decisive victory for Smith, who collected 267 votes. Corbett managed 137.

"It was a privilege to compete against a politician of Bob Corbett's stature," said Smith. "He ran an honourable campaign."

The municipal election has been shadowed by a controversy over Gagetown waterfront land.

Council candidate Rev. Robert McDowell asked some pointed questions about the purchase of the land, which became public knowledge during the election.

Corbett was one of the buyers and staunchly defended the acquisition during the final days of the campaign.

Smith kept his distance from the issue.

"I've always been a builder," said Smith. "We've got a new team that can plan where Gagetown wants to be in 10 years. It's very exciting."

Corbett congratulated Smith on the win.

"The election was obviously a one-issue race, but Randy ran a straight-up and fair campaign," said Corbett. "It's an onerous job he's facing, and I wish him well.

"The community will undoubtedly prevail."

The race for council was tight.

Incumbent Gene Brooks was the top vote-getter with 310 votes, followed by Wayne Ivey with 295 votes and McDowell with 254.

The contest for the fourth council seat went down to the wire, with Andrea MacDonald nipping Allison Gorrill 170 votes to 158.

Council candidate Bernie Hoganson managed 134 votes, while Fred Fettah collected 117.