‘The girl in the trenches’
Nancy Beth Guptill falls just short in attempt at Summerside’s mayoral seat
With members of her team gathered, Nancy Beth Guptill anxiously looks at the multiple tv screens above the bar.
As the block with her name fills yellow, she’s left with the feeling that she might have a chance to come away as the next mayor of Summerside.
Flash forward a few hours and the polling numbers are tight. It’s been nearly three hours since the polls closed and with four polls still to be tallied, everyone at Uncle Mike’s on Water Street restaurant had their attention turned to the Decision ’18 television broadcast.
“This waiting game is actually quite peaceful,” said Guptill. “I knew that it was going to be a tough race, but you have to try and prepare yourself for any outcome.”
Guptill, who launched her campaign for mayor about three weeks before the election, said she is amazed by the turn out.
“It’s a clear indication that people want change. We may have been at a disadvantage by the time we came out, but I think we’ve done damn good.”
Jane McQuaid, a member of Guptill’s campaign team adds, “We were able to do this in three weeks. What do you think that means? Image if we had six weeks.”
By about 10:15 p.m. it became clear that former mayor Basil Stewart would once again take the mayor’s chair.
She says it’s her understanding that people weren’t interested in the mayoral race. But when she announced her candidacy the tides changed.
“When you think about it, he had three months, I had three weeks. No matter the outcome I’m thrilled for the turnout. People invited me into their homes and being a part of it really led to a new understanding and perspective.
“I’m that girl working in the trenches, and I plan to stay there.”
She says come next election, she would consider running again.
Guptill’s sister, Peggy Malone said she’d never seen her sister so happy.
“She was totally in her element, the entire time. She truly enjoyed it. She showed a side of her that was amazing.”