Three new councillorselected Monday night

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The three incumbents running for six councilor positions all returned to office in Monday night’s election, and will be joined by three new faces.

Newcomer Lindsey Ambrus Mejaski led the polls, capturing 12.8 per cent of the vote, or 3,951 votes. Incumbents Chris Parker, Dave Beres and Chrissy Rosehart were re-elected, taking second, third and fourth. Only 28 votes separated John Gilvesy and Ron Gasparetto for the last two seats. Gilvesy had 9.1 per cent of the votes, or 2,794, and Gasparetto nine per cent of 2,766.

Although they fell short of being elected, newcomer Katherine Englander and former mayor Stephen Molnar were neck and neck, with Molnar just six votes behind Gasparetto at 2,659, and Englander on his tail at 2,642. Other results were Clayton Curtis 2,393, Felix Nonso Nzemeka 1,391, and Deanna Tosto 1,225. Kim Sage, who asked people not to support her in the final days of the campaign due to an unexpected change, finished with 914 votes.

Parker, who whispers say may be chosen as deputy mayor by council, spoke after mayor-elect Deb Gilvesy at a campaign party at the Carriage House said he was overwhelmed by the support received .

“A campaign is often seen as one person’s journey, but the truth is that no one gets here alone,” he said, mentioning his wife Rebecca in particular. “Tonight is about all of you. It’s about family, friends, supporters, colleagues, and the residents of Tillsonburg who placed their trust in me.”

After congratulating Gilvesy, he spoke about highs and lows during the last session and an integrity commissioner complaint they both faced.

“There were difficult meetings, difficult decisions, and challenges that tested us both personally and professionally. Some of those challenges becaame very public, including the integrity commissioner complaint that many members will remember.”

Parker said he learned public service isn’t about adversity, it’s about how an individual responds to it.

“There were moments when it would have been easier to quit, easier to walk away, and easier to let negativity win,” he said. “Instead, we stayed focused on the job we were elected to do.”

While Parker acknowledged the past, he said now a new chapter will begin for council, “one focused on collaboration, progress, and serving the residents who have placed their trust in us.”

Ambrus Mejaski was excited to be elected to council, and thanked her supporters.

“Wow. I don’t know what to say,” she said. “I think we have an amazing team and we’ll be great for Tillsonburg.”

Beres, who was selected by council as deputy mayor last term, said he was honoured to be back on council and to see people have faith in him.

“There are no losers tonight, just those who didn’t win,” he said.

At the end of this term, Beres will have served nine terms, or 33 years, on council.

Rosehart was humbled to be re-elected and grateful to the people who re-elected her. She enjoys hearing from people about the town and is looking forward to continuing that.

Gilvesy called it an honour to be elected to town council and thanked those who supported his election bid.

“It was humbling to have my fate in the hands of those who choose to vote ... or not vote,” he said.

On that note, voter turnout in Tillsonburg rose to 39.9 per cent in the election, up from 37.63 per cent in 2022.

“Much of my campaign was aimed at making sure all residents in Tillsonburg learned about me, and I tried to be creative, educate, and stimulate thought with media posts and public presentations,” John Gilvesy said. “I look forward to working together with both the new council team and staff to keep the commitment ... making Tillsonburg the best place to live."

The next day, Molnar commented, ““While my long journey of service to our community may have come to an end, I am excited to support the newest members of council as they begin their contributions to the residents of the Town of Tillsonburg. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve, and the strength and values of our community will only be enhanced with the positivity and trust demonstrated by your incoming council as a whole.”

Englander was appreciative of the support she received when talking to people in town.

“ I am proud of the campaign we ran and grateful to have connected with so many residents,” she said. “I congratulate those who were elected and wish them well, and I will continue to care about Tillsonburg and look for ways to contribute to our community.

Talking about his campaign, Gasparetto said, “It’s been an emotional campaign, a very positive experience getting out there and talking to people. I can’t over-exaggerate the importance of the door knock and talking to people.

Nzemeka reflected, “In a campaign, some people like you and some don’t. It’s part of the exercise.”

Curtis, the youngest member in this election, was the only one who spoke about the next election.

"I am so proud of my campaign and the achievements of everyone involved in this election,” he said. “I’ll be back next election!"

Tosto said all the candidates were professional and cordial.

“We all had an excellent campaign, and lots of good ideas shared,” she said.