Amherstburg Leadership: Gibb succeeds Prue in mayoral seat

Residents of the Town of Amherstburg will see a new leader at the head of the council table starting Monday. Chris Gibb was elected mayor after receiving 3,928 votes in the recent contest. He defeated Bill Fryer, who garnered 3,284 votes, and incumbent Michael Prue, who finished with 1,704 votes.

Gibb served as deputy mayor during the previous term. He steps into the mayor's role held by Prue since 2018. The change marks the end of an eight-year tenure for the outgoing leader. Prue ran for a fourth term after residents requested his return. He said he campaigned on reducing taxes and continuing local projects, but noted that voters sought a different direction.

"I’m not sure what that direction is because it’s very difficult for me to understand how they would pick a mayor and a deputy mayor who are so diametrically opposed.. but that is what the town has just chosen," Prue said. He plans to retire and travel with his wife. He also intends to read books and cook for friends, including a fishing trip scheduled for spring.

Gibb celebrated his victory at The O with family and supporters. He expressed gratitude for the community's trust. "Very excited, very excited, humbled, a little overwhelmed, but I’m ready to get started," he said. He emphasized that the mayor serves all residents, not just those who voted for him. "So I’m certainly ready to start working tomorrow, and work with the new council and the new deputy mayor to start bringing Amherstburg forward," Gibb added.

The election also reshaped the rest of the council. Bill Petruniak was elected deputy mayor with 5,146 votes. Linden Crain received 3,590 votes. Two incumbent council members, Molly Allaire and Peter Courtney, won re-election. Allaire secured 5,226 votes, while Courtney received 3,813 votes. Three new members joined the group: Jen DeLuca with 5,597 votes, Keith Boussey with 2,896 votes, and Wes Ewer with 3,370 votes.

Gibb said his priority is implementing plans developed over the last four years. He looks forward to meeting with the new council to identify their specific goals. The town expects certified results to be released on Tuesday, October 27.