NAHANT — An especially heated election in June proved that 2020 was an exciting year for Nahant politics.
Eugene Canty won his seat on the town’s Board of Selectmen by a mere three votes over competitor David Walsh, resulting in a recount for what was ultimately declared the closest Board of Selectmen race in Nahant history.
“I figured it would be a close race, not just because of the Northeastern University issue, but because there are other issues in town that need to be addressed,” a surprised Walsh said in June of the 657 to 654 vote. “I can’t say I expected it to be the closest in history.”
Both candidates expressed strong views on Northeastern’s future expansion plans, perhaps one of the most contentious issues of Nahant’s election season, with environmentally-minded Canty stating he would “embrace the opportunity to sit down with representatives from NU” to discuss the university’s goals and also to question why the school feels “destroying parts of an area zoned as a Natural Resource District helps to promote sustainability.”
On the other hand, Walsh expressed that he felt it was necessary for the town to work together with the school.
In other 2020 town news:
— Long-time town historian Gerald Butler announced in January that his new book, “Nahauntus,” would most likely be his final work.
— In April, the state Attorney General’s office rejected two local zoning amendment changes.
— The owners of Nahant Country Club announced plans in late May to begin selling ice cream under the name Tudor Ice Cream as a way to bring some smiles during the pandemic.
— Town Democrats mobilized in June to campaign for candidates running for statewide office and congressional seats in other states.
— September saw Cheerio the duck inducted with pomp and circumstance into the Nahant Historical Society.
— Nahant residents were on edge in October with multiple reports of coyotes roaming the town.
— COVID-19 tightened its grip on the town in November with officials closing Town Hall out of an abundance of caution.
— The annual Christmas parade was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, and the New Year’s Day polar plunge was also scrapped.