Santos stepping down as Kingsville mayor

Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos has confirmed that he will not be seeking a sixth term as Mayor in the upcoming municipal election this fall.

He also informed town staff Monday morning that he will be stepping away from the mayor’s office and role on July 17.

After nearly 25 years in public office, serving as town councillor, deputy mayor and the past 19 years as mayor, Santos is changing course and pursuing a new career opportunity that provides more time and support with his family.

“I have nothing but love and passion for community — this community,” he said. “It has been a true honour to serve and help lead Kingsville through the best of times and toughest of times.”

“I have nothing but praise for this town and I’ve put my heart and soul into putting Kingsville's best foot forward when it comes to representing and reflecting the community spirit that thrives here,” he added.

Santos says he will miss working with the town’s staff, who he feels have been a second family to him.

“We have celebrated so much together through special events and milestones, and we have also mourned together through tragedies and losses within our community,” he expressed. “Thank you Kingsville. Thank you residents for your belief and support in me over the course of eight elections.

I remain humbled by the service and progress we have made together over the years."

“There’s still some very important work to do and transition over the next few weeks that will carry forward to council and the town’s very bright and exciting future.”

When reached by the Sun on Monday, Santos said he’s thankful for the time he’s been able to serve the community and is happy that he’s been able to work with neighbouring communities so closely — a goal he had when he started.

“Don’t let the boundaries slow us down,” he said. “We can all work together.”

He credits TWEPI (Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island) and Invest Windsor-Essex with helping bring the region together, especially coming out of COVID.

The town is working closely with Mayor Santos to ensure a smooth transition and seamless continuation of municipal business.

“Kingsville has benefited from Mayor Santos’ dedication and leadership over the past two decades,” said Kingsville Chief Administrative Officer, John Norton. “He has served this community for a very long time and we thank him for everything he has done to strengthen our municipality.”

Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald said she was taken by surprise by the announcement, but wishes Santos well in his new endeavours.

“We’ve had a wonderful relationship with Nelson over the years,” she said. “He will be missed by us and his own residents.”

MacDonald said that Santos’ knowledge of the history of the area due to his policital longevity will be missed at the county level.

Santos was first elected to Kingsville Council in 1997 and elected mayor in 2003.