Ingersoll re-elects top two council officials

Lee Griffi, Editor

Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie will serve a second term as the town’s top elected official as will Deputy Mayor Lindsay Wilson.

Petrie received 2,496 votes with challenger Tim Lobzun getting 1,896. The incumbent said he’s

“I can’t thank everyone enough for the support that came out. It was a good election process and you always want to see the greatest number of people possible vote. We had about 38 per cent with the same number of voters we had last time but out population grew. I want to thank everyone who came out, did their part, and made their choice.”

He added there were a few contentious election issues, including installing a second ice pad at the future MURC.

“I know that is something people want to have, but the cost would be a lot on our community and would have led to about a 10.5 per cent tax increase. That was a debate during the election so I understand how that would away some voters.”

Petrie said elected officials may not always make the popular decision but the job is to make the right one.

“If someone chooses to vote for someone else because of that, it’s fine. I am here to work with everybody to make the goals of Ingersoll move forward.”

He explained voters told him during the campaign trail to focus on needs as opposed to wants.

“We want to be an affordable place to live. CAMI is not in production and there is a lot of uncertainty with the United States. We need to be cautious, replace what we need to replace and move forward, but do it responsibly.”

Deputy Mayor Lindsay Wilson was re-elected to her post, topping Mike Tucker by over 1,000 votes. Wilson released a statement on social media and said she doesn’t often struggle to find the right words, but there really aren’t words for this experience.

“How do you describe the feeling of having your community’s trust in this way? It blows my mind when I really think about it, to be trusted with this responsibility is incredibly special. Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, challenging me and inspiring me. I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish in another four years.”

She also thanked Tucker for running a respectful campaign.

“We had the opportunity to chat when he called me shortly after the results came in. I appreciate this tradition because this is the call no candidate wants to make, yet he did it with kindness and grace.”

Wilson also tanked everyone who put their name on the ballot and noted not many people get to experience a win or loss in an election. She also thanked her family and town residents.

“To my husband, thank you for never doubting me. It’s a lot to ask of a partner, especially with kids as part of the juggling act. Your unconditional support means more than anyone could ever know. To the residents of Ingersoll, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Many of the people who supported me are people I have learned from and look up to.”

Two of the five councillors elected in Ingersoll are new to the current council. Dave Cripps, former Thames Valley District School Board trustee, and Fred Freeman, a former Ingersoll deputy mayor and a previous member of council.

Cripps thanked voters for their trust, encouragement, conversations, and for taking the time to have their say in the future of the town.

“Throughout this campaign, I've had the opportunity to connect with so many incredible people. I've listened to your concerns, heard your ideas, and been reminded time and again of what makes Ingersoll such a special place to call home.”

He added he is incredibly grateful to his family, friends, and everyone who supported him along the way.

Your belief in me means more than you know.

“I've always believed that Ingersoll's greatest strength is its people. We have a strong foundation, tremendous opportunities ahead of us, and some important decisions to make. My commitment remains the same: to listen, to ask thoughtful questions, to make responsible decisions, and to work hard for the community we're all proud to call home.”

He added the campaign may be over, but his commitment to Ingersoll is just getting started.

Three incumbent councillors were re-elected. Kristy Van Kooten-Bossence, Mike Bowman and Rick Eus. Shannon Hutson was not re-elected after receiving 103 fewer votes than Fred Freeman who will serve his first term on council.