After 22 years, the Town of Tecumseh has a new mayor. On Monday night, residents voted to switch up the council table and elected Joe Bachetti to be the new mayor of the town. Bachetti, the former deputy mayor for the last 12 years, ultimately ended Gary McNamara’s 35-year tenure in municipal office. McNamara was first elected to council in 1991 before being elected as deputy mayor in 1998, then mayor in 2003. Bachetti is also a familiar face in Tecumseh with 20 years of experience as councillor and 12 years as deputy mayor. He won with 7,017 votes, while McNamara had 2,704 votes, according to unofficial results. Bachetti says the results were phenomenal. “Those aren’t just data... those are neighbours, families, friends supporters... that’s what makes Tecumseh and I want to bring back the town to the level where the people feel welcomed.” He says he tried to show Tecumseh residents he was there no matter what. “You pick up the phone, you answer, you go visit on site, and you provide solutions... they may not be happy with the answers but at least you showed that you tried and you provided them with information and I will continue to do so.” Bachetti says he felt the love from residents while campaigning. “You felt it at the doors, and as a candidate you know how you stand by the response you get, and when you go the door and they won’t even take your flyer because they say, ‘save it, you’ve got our vote’.” Meanwhile, McNamara says he’s proud of what he’s done. “Obviously disappointed in the numbers but you know what, 31 years is quite a run... I’m very proud of the 31 years and the contributions I’ve made to this municipality.” He says he feels good. “I congratulate Joe Bachetti and his team for a hard-fought campaign and a well-run campaign and so forth. And I wish the new council great success and continue to move our community forward.” McNamara says he’s going to take a bit of time and plan some trips with his wife. “I do love this community and always will... it’s her time. I’ve got four grandkids as well, and my own kids, and I’m going to spend more family time and who knows there’s still fuel in the tank, so to speak.” In the deputy mayor’s race, Tania Jobin, former councillor, was elected with 5,773 votes. Larry Morand placed second with 3,558 votes. The five councillors elected to Tecumseh council are Darrin Drouillard with 1,370 votes, incumbent James Dorner with 1,594, Chris Elliott with 1,213, Cheryl Hardcastle with 781 and Marisa Nabbout with 737 votes. All results remain unofficial until officially certified by the Municipal Clerk on Tuesday, October 27. -with files from CTV Windsor’s Travis Fortnum
