Windsor Election: Francis Wins Mayoral Race, Ending Dilkens Era
The new mayor pledges to ignore provincial strong mayor powers on Day One, while the outgoing administration cites economic development wins.
By Natalie Castro ·
Windsor voters replaced their mayor on Monday, ending a twelve-year tenure.
Fred Francis defeated incumbent Drew Dilkens in the municipal election. Unofficial results show Francis received 28,204 votes, or 47.6 percent of the total. Dilkens finished with 33.8 percent, a margin of 8,183 votes. Kat Pasquach placed third with 7,253 votes.
Francis, the executive director of the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, served twelve years as a councillor for Ward 1. He spoke at the Fogular Furlan Club after the vote. He said he felt the need for change was present among residents. He stated that the campaign tapped into that sentiment with specific policies. He added that he was grateful that the majority of voters trusted their plan.
Francis identified the repeal of Strong Mayor Powers as his top priority for Day One. These provincially legislated powers allow the mayor to propose the budget, veto council bylaws, and appoint or dismiss the chief administrative officer and department heads. Francis said he will figure out how to repeal the powers, or simply choose not to use them. He noted that downtown revitalization was also a major factor for voters at the door.
Dilkens, who served twenty years on city council, cited economic development as a key achievement of his administration. He pointed to the new Fancsy Family Hospital and the NextStar Battery Plant. He described landing the battery factory as a major win. Dilkens said he had no regret about losing the race. He noted that he lost a council race in 2003 before winning the next time. He said he respects the decision made by Windsorites.
The next council term will include four new members and one returning councillor. Five incumbents were re-elected. They are Frazier Fathers in Ward 2, Renaldo Agostino in Ward 3, Angelo Marignani in Ward 7, Gary Kaschak in Ward 8, and Kieran McKenzie in Ward 9. Darcie Renaud replaces Francis in Ward 1. Chris Holt returns to Ward 4, replacing Mark McKenzie. Ken Acton takes the Ward 5 seat, replacing Ed Sleiman. Jeremy Renaud wins Ward 6, replacing Jo-Anne Gignac. Mark Masanovich wins Ward 10, defeating two-term incumbent Jim Morrison.
Francis said the election is over as far as he is concerned. He stated that his mind is already focused on the work ahead.
Source: CKLW
