Chris Gibb wins Amherstburg mayoral race

The Town of Amherstburg changed leadership on Monday. Chris Gibb will serve as mayor following the election, according to unofficial results released that evening.

Gibb secured 3,928 votes. He outpaced Bill Fryer, who received 3,284 votes, and incumbent mayor Michael Prue, who garnered 1,704 votes. Gibb previously served as deputy mayor during the current term. Prue, who held the mayor’s seat since 2018, stepped down after the residents voted for a new direction.

Gibb celebrated at a venue called The O, joined by dozens of family members and supporters. He described his feelings as "very excited" and "humbled." He stated that he believes a mayor represents every resident, regardless of how they voted. He plans to begin working with the new council and the new deputy mayor immediately to move the town forward.

Prue held a smaller gathering at Artisan Grill with close friends and family. He said he intends to retire, travel the world with his wife, and read books he has postponed. He mentioned plans to go fishing with a friend named Steve in the spring. Prue noted that some residents asked him to run again, so he campaigned on reducing taxes. He acknowledged that residents wanted change, even if he found the selection of the new mayor and deputy mayor puzzling.

Bill Petruniak will serve as the new deputy mayor. He received 5,146 votes, defeating councilor Linden Crain, who received 3,590 votes. The council table will feature three new members alongside two incumbents. Jen DeLuca won the most votes with 5,597. Incumbent Molly Allaire received 5,226 votes. Incumbent Peter Courtney received 3,813 votes. New members Keith Boussey and Wes Ewer received 2,896 and 3,370 votes, respectively.

The town will have many new faces on the council table for the next four years. Certified election results are expected to be released on Tuesday, October 27.