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A disappointed Gillis says she's concerned about Sarnia’s future

Troy Shantz When the results were finally posted, it was as though all the oxygen had been sucked from the formerly vibrant headquarters of mayoral challenger Anne Marie Gillis Monday night.
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Sarnia mayoral candidate Anne Marie Gillis hugs campaign volunteer Simon Harris moments after learning of her defeat to incumbent Mike Bradley. Troy Shantz

Troy Shantz

When the results were finally posted, it was as though all the oxygen had been sucked from the formerly vibrant headquarters of mayoral challenger Anne Marie Gillis Monday night.

With tears and disappointment, supporters lined up to congratulate Gillis on a campaign that was full of passion but never came close to upsetting incumbent Mike Bradley.

Gillis, the most popular councillor vote-wise in the 2014 election, took just 7,569 votes to Bradley’s 16,238.

It was her second loss to Ontario’s second-longest serving mayor.

“I’m disappointed for the city,” said Gillis. “I’m extremely concerned with what is going to happen at City Hall over the next few days.”

“I congratulate all of the council that got elected, but it does send a very concerning message to me… and certainly to my team, and I’m sure for a lot of other people as well.”

Gillis was referring to the turmoil of the previous four years at City Hall, which included two investigations into Bradley’s conduct toward senior city staff.

Council still has an Integrity Commissioner in place and a mandatory Code of Conduct, she said.

“I don’t think that this is going to be the end of anything, I’m afraid it’s going to be the beginning.”

Campaign volunteer Simon Harris agreed.

“This is not the end. We have four years to keep Mike Bradley to account.”

Gillis was hesitant to discuss her own political future, but the veteran councillor added she might work on the campaign of a future candidate.

“I finally get my life back after 18 years,” she said.


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