Bel Air Mayor Ousted, Based On Preliminary Vote Counts

BEL AIR, MD — Mayor Amy Chmielewski lost her seat on the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners, according to unofficial election returns Tuesday.

Four people sought the two seats, which were won by newcomers Mary Chance and Paula Etting, based on preliminary vote tallies.

Here are the unofficial vote totals as of Tuesday night:

• Mary F. Chance: 433
• Amy G. Chmielewski: 264
• Paula S. Etting: 384
• Lawrence J. Russell: 131
• Write-ins: 12

Chmielewski was the only incumbent who ran for re-election, since Commissioner Patrick Richards chose not to run again.

Results were tabulated at the Bel Air Town Hall on Hickory Avenue, which will also conduct two canvasses in the next two weeks.

"Election day has been fantastic," Russell told Patch Tuesday night. "I enjoyed standing in front of our Town Hall (even thought the weather did not cooperate) watching voters cast their ballots. I have learned so much about the people of Bel Air and what they want their Town Commissioners to do. Win or lose, I would not trade this experience of running for office for anything."

When asked about the most important issue facing the town, the two candidates who netted the most votes, based on preliminary totals, told Bel Air Patch that preserving the character of the town while growing its economy was of the utmost importance.

"Ensuring a balance of economic growth while preserving neighborhood communities is critical," said Chance, who has served in Harford County government for 28 years.

Etting, a prosecutor who has worked for the Harford County Department of Law, had a similar response.

"The most pressing issue facing our Town is how to grow and change in the future without losing our small-town, family-friendly character," Etting said. "I will work with residents and businesses to encourage economic growth that is consistent with our Town's character."

Post-Election Plan

The results of the election will not be made official until two canvasses have been conducted.

The first canvass is slated for 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, while the second will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 12. Both will be held at Bel Air Town Hall, 39 N. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014.

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Related: Bel Air Election 2021: Candidates, How To Vote