NIPIGON — Suzanne Kukko is the new mayor of Nipigon.
Kukko won the township's election over veteran councillor James Foulds on Monday.
The unofficial vote count was 415 for Kukko and 248 for Foulds.
The victorious candidate previously served six years as Nipigon's economic development officer.
She succeeds long-time mayor Richard Harvey, who decided not to run for mayor but rather for one of four councillor positions.
Candidates selected for council include John Zechner Jr., Gordon Mackenzie, Katherine Sakamoto, and Pierre Pelletier.
In an interview, Kukko said finding a way to balancing the municipal budget will be "a massive challenge."
"Everyone's strapped for cash. So the revenue, bringing in the taxes versus the expenses," she said. "Gas, the cost of replacing vehicles if we have to, everything's more expensive."
Kukko added that Nipigon needs a roadmap for the future in the way of a strategic plan, which it hasn't had for over 10 years.
She's confident that her six years as economic development officer will prove valuable in her new leadership role.
"I raised approximately $4 million in funding for the town to do various projects including our waterfront development and seniors apartments. I know where to get money and how to access it."
Kukko also said she feels the numerous contacts she has made along the north shore will be an asset.