SLIDESHOW: Methuen's Mayoral Race
The controversial Methuen mayoral race between the new mayor of Methuen, Neil Perry and City Council Chairwoman Jennifer Kannan whom he defeated, is behind us. So let us revisit the coverage of both parties with this slideshow.
A party for Perry, 61, was in full-swing at the Knights of Columbus as results rolled in highly favoring the political newcomer. Music blasted as at least 100 people celebrated the big win. In a moment away from supporters, Perry talked about the overwhelming flood of emotion he felt.
“It’s a lot to take in,” he said. “But I’m happy. So happy.” He will leave a longtime position at Raytheon to become mayor. He said the people of Methuen made a statement by electing him to lead the city, “It sends a message that the city wants change,” Perry said.
From the Irish Cottage, Kannan congratulated her opponent with a phone call and thanked her many volunteers and supporters. This was her second run for mayor. When asked if she would run again, Kannan said it was too soon to say.
CARL RUSSO/Staff photo. Methuen mayoral candidate, Jennifer Kannan with her husband Bill and their granddaughter, Eleanor Souza, nine-months-old celebrate at the Sand Bar Restaurant in the Merrimack Valley Golf Club. Kannan captured second place in the September primary election Tuesday night. 9/17/2019
MIKE SPRINGER/Staff photo Methuen mayoral candidate Neil Perry is congratulated by his mother, Patricia Perry, after entering the room Tuesday evening to join supporters at the Irish Cottage after it was announced that he had won enough votes in the primary to be one of two candidates advancing to the general election. 9/17/2019
CARL RUSSO/Staff photo. Methuen city council chairwomen and mayoral candidate, Jennifer Kannan is greeted her good friends and supporters Carina Pappalardo, left and Lynne Beauchesne as she enters her party at the Irish Cottage. Methuen city council chairwomen and mayoral candidate, Jennifer Kannan was defeated in a landslide by new comer, candidate Neil Perry in Tuesday's election. 11/05/2019
MIKE SPRINGER/Staff photo Victorious mayoral candidate Neil Perry gives the "thumbs' up" sign to supporters during his speech Tuesday night at the Knights of Columbus Gaythorne Hall in Methuen. 11/05/2019
MIKE SPRINGER/Staff photo Victorious mayoral candidate Neil Perry listens to his introduction as he prepares to enter the room and speak to supporters Tuesday night at the Knights of Columbus Gaythorne Hall in Methuen. 11/05/2019
CARL RUSSO/Staff photo. Methuen city council chairwomen and mayoral candidate, Jennifer Kannan hugs and kisses her granddaughter, Tessa Therrien, 12 for support before making her concession speech. Methuen city council chairwomen and mayoral candidate, Jennifer Kannan was defeated in a landslide by new comer, candidate Neil Perry in Tuesday's election. 11/05/2019
CARL RUSSO/Staff photo. With tears in her eyes but a smile on her face, Lisa Lannon hugs Methuen city council chairwomen and mayoral candidate, Jennifer Kannan as she enters her party at the Irish Cottage. Methuen city council chairwomen and mayoral candidate, Jennifer Kannan was defeated in a landslide by new comer, candidate Neil Perry in Tuesday's election. 11/05/2019
MIKE SPRINGER/Staff photo Methuen Mayor-Elect Neil Perry strides into the Knights of Columbus Gaythorne Hall to speak to supporters after defeating his opponent in the mayor's race, Jennifer Kannan, by a wide margin Tuesday night. 11/05/2019
MIKE SPRINGER/Staff photo Supporters of Mayor-Elect Neil Perry applaud during his victory speech Tuesday evening at the Knights of Columbus Gaythorne Hall in Methuen. 11/05/2019
CARL RUSSO/Staff photo. Kannan supporter Albert Ferris waits for results at Kannan's party at the Irish Cottage. Methuen city council chairwomen and mayoral candidate, Jennifer Kannan was defeated in a landslide by new comer, candidate Neil Perry in Tuesday's election. 11/05/2019
CARL RUSSO/Staff photo. Methuen city council chairwomen and mayoral candidate, Jennifer Kannan talks to supporters Sid Harris and Evelyn Tobin as she enters her party at the Irish Cottage. Methuen city council chairwomen and mayoral candidate, Jennifer Kannan was defeated in a landslide by new comer, candidate Neil Perry in Tuesday's election. 11/05/2019
CARL RUSSO/Staff photo. Methuen mayoral candidate, Jennifer Kannan celebrates with her supporters at the Sand Bar Restaurant in the Merrimack Valley Golf Club. Kannan captured second place in the September primary election Tuesday night. 9/17/2019
RYAN HUTTON/ Staff photo Supporters of Methuen mayoral candidates Jennifer Kannan, left, and Neil Perry, right, wave as votes enter the parking lot of Timony Grammar School to vote at lunch time on Election Day.
CARL RUSSO/Staff photo. Methuen mayoral candidate, Jennifer Kannan, center, celebrates with her friends and supporters, Lynne Beauchesne, left and Kathy Manzi at the Sand Bar Restaurant in the Merrimack Valley Golf Club. Kannan captured second place in the September primary election Tuesday night. 9/17/2019
