McKenzie bests incumbent
Ward 9 saw a changing of the guard Monday as Kieran McKenzie dethroned incumbent Hilary Payne in a landslide.
“This is a validation of the conversation that I have been having with the people of Ward 9 for over four years now,” said McKenzie, legislative assistant to Windsor West NDP MP Brian Masse. He had lost to Payne by only 177 votes in 2014.
McKenzie captured 64 per cent of the vote compared to Payne’s slightly less than 20 per cent. Alex Aggarwal was third with 16 per cent.
“We talked a lot about infrastructure. It took me that entire election to talk to people about what are the issues in our ward, to have a really good sense of what are the things that people need to see happening out in that part of the city.” McKenzie has advocated for a library and community centre in the vicinity of Devonwood Conservation Area.
McKenzie said people in Ward 9 want more amenities for the growing ward. “It’s about improving quality of life in neighbourhoods, it’s what people are asking for,” McKenzie said. McKenzie had kind words for Payne, the defeated incumbent. “He’s been involved in public life in Windsor and Essex County for more than four decades. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Hilary Payne and I hope to serve the people of Ward 9 in equal capacity to what he’s been able to do for the folks in our ward.”