Gibb Takes Over as Amherstburg Mayor

Chris Gibb secured 3,928 votes in Monday's election to become the next mayor of Amherstburg. Unofficial results place him ahead of Bill Fryer, who received 3,284 votes, and incumbent Michael Prue, who garnered 1,704 votes. Gibb will take office after serving as deputy mayor during Prue's previous term.

Gibb celebrated the victory at The O on Monday night, surrounded by family and supporters. He described the moment as exciting and humbling. "I'm ready to get started," Gibb said. He emphasized that a mayor serves all residents, regardless of how they voted, and planned to begin working immediately with the new council and deputy mayor.

His stated priority is to implement plans developed over the past four years. Gibb said he looks forward to meeting with new council members to identify their specific goals for the town's direction.

Incumbent mayor Michael Prue held a smaller gathering at the Artisan Grill with close friends and family. He announced plans to retire and travel the world with his wife. Prue also noted he would read books he had previously skipped and cook more meals. He mentioned plans to go fishing with a friend named Steve this spring.

Prue stated that he ran for another term because some residents asked him to continue. He believed his four-year record justified another term but acknowledged that voters wanted a change in leadership. "People wanted change," Prue said. He expressed a wish for the best for the new council, though he noted a difficulty in understanding the choice of a mayor and deputy mayor with opposing views.

The town will also see a change in the deputy mayor seat. Bill Petruniak won that position with 5,146 votes. Linden Crain, a former council member, received 3,590 votes in that race. Incumbent council members Molly Allaire and Peter Courtney were re-elected. Allaire received 5,226 votes, while Courtney received 3,813 votes.

Three new members will join the council. Jen DeLuca received 5,597 votes, Keith Boussey received 2,896 votes, and Wes Ewer received 3,370 votes. Certified results for all races are expected to be released on Tuesday, October 27.