Amherstburg Voters Replace Eight-Year Mayor
Chris Gibb secures the top post with 3,928 votes while Bill Fryer and incumbent Michael Prue finish behind, marking a full turnover in the town's executive leadership.
By Rafael Bailey ·
The Town of Amherstburg elected a new mayor on Monday, ending an eight-year tenure and reshaping its local leadership. Unofficial results show Chris Gibb taking the office with 3,928 votes. He outpolled challenger Bill Fryer, who received 3,284 votes, and incumbent Michael Prue, who garnered 1,704 votes.
Gibb serves as the town's current deputy mayor. He will assume the role of mayor from Prue, who has held the position since 2018. The victory puts a new face in the mayor's seat for the upcoming four-year term. It also signals a shift in the administrative hierarchy of the municipal government.
Gibb celebrated his win at The O, a local venue where dozens of family members and supporters gathered. He described his reaction to the results as a mix of excitement and humility. "Very excited, very excited, humbled, a little overwhelmed, but I'm ready to get started," he said.
He emphasized his intent to work immediately with the newly formed council. Gibb stated that he views the mayoralty as a role serving all residents, regardless of who they voted for. "When you're elected mayor, I truly believe you're the mayor for everybody," he said. He plans to implement strategies developed during the previous four years while aligning with the new council's priorities.
Incumbent Mayor Prue held a smaller gathering at Artisan Grill. He said he plans to retire and travel with his wife. Prue also mentioned plans to read, cook, and go fishing this spring. He noted that residents requested his return but ultimately chose a different direction for the town.
Prue commented on the election results, specifically the selection of the new executive team. "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," he said.
Bill Petruniak won the deputy mayor race with 5,146 votes, beating Linden Crain, who received 3,590 votes. The council also saw a mix of returning and new members. Incumbents Molly Allaire and Peter Courtney were re-elected with 5,226 and 3,813 votes respectively. New members Keith Boussey, Jen DeLuca, and Wes Ewer joined the council with 2,896, 5,597, and 3,370 votes respectively. Certified results are expected on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
