Sherry Bondy Wins Second Term in Essex

Sherry Bondy will serve another four years as mayor of Essex. Unofficial results from the Monday vote show she defeated Trevor Menard by a wide margin. Bondy first won the mayoral seat in 2022 after serving as the Ward 4 councillor from 2010 to 2022.

The vote count stands at 5,288 for Bondy and 2,206 for Menard. Bondy told reporters she is ready to return to work and address the issues residents raised during the campaign. She described the race as difficult but noted that the outcome reflects the priorities of local families and businesses.

Bondy attributed her victory to the council's performance over the past four years. She stated that campaigns rely on long-term work rather than just the final weeks before an election. Bondy said the council focused on budget discipline and infrastructure investment during her first term.

The new council will include a mix of new members and returning officials. Bondy highlighted that the group has achieved gender parity, a first for Essex County. She expects the blend of fresh perspectives and experience to allow the council to start work immediately. Rob Shepley, the acclaimed Deputy Mayor, will also join the new body.

Voters in other wards also cast ballots on Monday. Katie McGuire-Blais and Joe Garon won the two seats in Ward 1. Kim Verbeek claimed the Ward 2 seat. Bill Baker and Ron Rogers took the two positions in Ward 3. Rachael Mills won the single seat in Ward 4.

Several sitting councillors did not win re-election. Jason Matyi lost his Ward 3 seat. Rodney Hammond lost his Ward 4 seat. The results reflect a shift in local representation as the new term begins.