Chipper Returns

McDermott wins in Pass — Published in The Sea Coast Echo
By Priscilla Loebenberg

Other than Mayor Chipper McDermott and Ward 3 Aldermen Anthony Hall, who were both re-elected on Tuesday, the city of Pass Christian voted in a clean slate of leaders. After the votes were counted at the Harrison County Courthouse, four new aldermen were selected.
“Thank you for all the support,” McDermott said at a post-election victory party at Hook. “We have to be mindful that we have a daunting task ahead of us. … I wouldn’t trade the people in Pass Christian for anyone else.”

Alderman Joe Piernas left the Ward 2 slot open to run for mayor against McDermott, but was defeated with 411 votes to the mayor’s 941.
Democrat W. Earl Washington Sr. will take over for Piernas as Ward 2 alderman after defeating Republican Amy Stewart Steiner 171 to 102.

“We ran a good race and I’m glad the election is over,” said Washington.

His ward includes War Memorial Park and he said part of his platform is to try to improve and expand the recreational opportunities in his ward and the entire city.

In Ward 3, Hall is the only current alderman returning to office. He beat Republican challenger Eugene Russell 182 to 114.

Republican Victor Pickich easily took the Ward 4 seat over Democrat LyTanya Toomer 303 to 45. Republican Kenny Torgeson came out on top in the three person race for the alderman at-large seat with 573 votes. Independent Anita Giani came in second with 412 and Democrat Tommy Piernas finished third with 340 votes.

The new Ward 1 alderman, Republican Buddy Clarke, ran unopposed in the general election after beating incumbent Robin Rafferty in the primary election last month.