Rogers takes Kingsville’s top spot in a nail-biterSouthpoint Sun

By Paul Forman

In an extremely tight race, political newcomer Dennis Rogers captured Kingville’s seat for mayor, narrowly edging out former councillor and deputy mayor Tamara Stomp by 146 votes.

DENNIS ROGERS

Rogers was happy with the voter turnout.

“Thanks to this community,” he said. “The voter turnout shows how much this community cares. I’m grateful and ready to take on this position.”

Kimberly DeYong was elected as the new deputy mayor, moving up from her council position.

DeYong won by a healthy 1,499 vote margin over two-term deputy mayor incumbent Gord Queen. DeYong stated that this campaign was different than her previous one in that she had to defend her record as a councillor.

KIMBERLY DEYONG

“I had a great response at the doors while campaigning and found the whole experience to be very positive,” she said.

She is excited to bring Kingsville strong representation at the county level and seeks to “bring open communication and transparency to our regional issues.”

Voters returned three incumbents to council, including Tony Gaffan, Larry Patterson and Thomas Neufeld. Running for the first time, newcomers Debby Jarvis-Chausse and Sheri Lowrie rounded out the team for council.

Jarvis-Chausse found the campaign to be heart-warming and was motivated to run as she thought it was important that female candidates take part in the election.

DEBBY JARVIS-CHAUSSE

“Women have a different way of looking at things,” she said. “And will bring a different perspective to council.”

Lowrie was surprised by her victory and figured that she would finish in the top half, but was prepared for a different result. As a young mom, wife and working professional, she looks forward to being part of council and bringing a positive voice to the community.

SHERI LOWRIE

Kingsville’s town CAO, John Norton, indicated that 50.1 percent of eligible citizens cast a vote in this municipal election, a three percent increase from the 2018 municipal election.

Here are the vote totals:

MAYOR: Dennis Rogers - 3,182; Tamara Stomp - 3,036; Laura Lucier - 2,161

DEPUTY MAYOR: Kimberly DeYong - 4,629; Gord Queen - 3,130; Samson Zad - 533

COUNCIL: Tony Gaffan - 5,285; Larry Patterson - 4,409; Thomas Neufeld - 4,188; Debby Jarvis-Chausse - 3,443; Sheri Lowrie - 3,316; Barry Wilson - 3,231; Michael DelCiancio - 2,568; Tim Seech - 1,903; Michael Glass - 1,728; Willy Fittler - 1,673; Brandon Stanley - 1,429; Les McDonald - 1,326; Scott Collier - 1,028; Gideon Spevak - 756

ENGLISH PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD: Julia Burgess - 5,736; David Keller - 3,218; Sherry Ducedre - 1,721

ENGLISH CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD: Mary Dimenna - 921; Derek Thachuk - 383

FRENCH PUBLIC BOARD: Emmanuelle Richez - 14; Serge Dignard - 2; Owen Herold - 1; Badrieh Kojok - 1

Didier Marotte was acclaimed for the French Catholic board.