Amherstburg voters swap leadership in tight race

Chris Gibb secured the mayoral seat in the Town of Amherstburg with 3,928 votes. He defeated Bill Fryer, who received 3,284 votes, and incumbent Michael Prue, who garnered 1,704 votes, according to unofficial results from Monday's election. Gibb had served as deputy mayor during the previous term and will replace Prue, who held the mayor's position since 2018.

Gibb spoke to dozens of family members and supporters at The O on Monday night. He described himself as excited and humbled by the outcome. "When you're elected mayor, I truly believe you're the mayor for everybody, the ones who voted for you and the ones who didn't," Gibb said. He stated his intention to begin working immediately with the new council and the incoming deputy mayor to advance the town's plans.

Gibb identified implementing the strategies developed over the last four years as his primary goal. He expressed eagerness to meet with the new council members to determine their specific priorities. "For me personally, it's really implementing all the plans that we've worked on for the past four years," he said. His aim is to move the town in the direction desired by the newly elected group.

Incumbent mayor Michael Prue held a smaller gathering with family and close friends at Artisan Grill. He indicated plans to travel the world with his wife and pursue personal hobbies during his retirement. Prue mentioned reading books he has not had time for, cooking meals, and fishing with a friend in the spring. He acknowledged that residents wanted a change in direction, though he noted the difficulty in understanding the selection of the new leadership team.

Prue stated that he ran for a fourth term because some residents asked him to continue serving. He explained that he campaigned on reducing taxes and continuing what he considered to be positive developments from the previous four years. "People wanted change," Prue said. He wished the new council the best as they begin their four-year term.

Bill Petruniak won the race for deputy mayor with 5,146 votes. Linden Crain, a member of the previous council, received 3,590 votes. The town's council table will include two re-elected incumbents and three new members. Molly Allaire was re-elected with 5,226 votes, and Peter Courtney received 3,813 votes. The three new council members are Jen DeLuca, who received 5,597 votes; Keith Boussey, who received 2,896 votes; and Wes Ewer, who received 3,370 votes. Certified results are expected to be released on Tuesday, Oct. 27.