Bellefonte mayoral Decmocratic candidate Candace Dannaker made history last night when she was elected the first woman mayor in Centre County.

Dannaker captured 976 votes, beating the Republican incumbent Mayor James Derschner, who received 910 votes.

Although Dannaker said her candidacy was not a gender issue, she said it proves Centre County is moving in the right direction. Her election indicates that county officials can work together as a community, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation, Dannaker said.

"We're using the lessons of the past to make a map for the future," she said.