Tecumseh voters reject 35-year mayor in 4,313-vote landslide

Joe Bachetti won the mayorship of the Town of Tecumseh with 7,017 votes, defeating incumbent Gary McNamara by a margin of 4,313 votes.

Unofficial results from Monday night’s election show Bachetti, who served as deputy mayor for the previous 12 years, replacing McNamara after 35 years in municipal office.

The vote marks a complete turnover in the town’s top leadership. McNamara was first elected to council in 1991, became deputy mayor in 1998, and has served as mayor since 2003.

Bachetti, who has served as a councillor for 20 years, said the results reflect support from neighbours and families. He stated he wants to restore a sense of welcome for residents.

"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," Bachetti said.

He added that he plans to continue answering phone calls and visiting sites to provide solutions, regardless of whether residents agree with the answers.

In the deputy mayor race, Tania Jobin defeated Larry Morand. Jobin, a former councillor, received 5,773 votes to Morand’s 3,558.

Five councillors were elected to the Tecumseh council: James Dorner, Darrin Drouillard, Chris Elliott, Cheryl Hardcastle, and Marisa Nabbout.

Dorner, an incumbent, received 1,594 votes. Drouillard received 1,370, Elliott received 1,213, Hardcastle received 781, and Nabbout received 737.

McNamara acknowledged he was disappointed in the numbers but expressed pride in his 31 years of service. He congratulated Bachetti and his team for a hard-fought campaign.

"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 said.

The former mayor said he plans to spend more time with his wife and four grandchildren. He noted that while he loves the community, it is now Bachetti’s turn to lead.