Dave Battagello Oct 24, 2022

The 50-year-old, prior to being elected as city councillor, has had a long history in politics that includes working as assistant to MP Brian Masse for a dozen years, several political campaigns at the federal and provincial level, plus as a founder of Rose City Politics.

Residents of Ward 9 appeared content Monday to overwhelmingly return Coun. Kieran McKenzie for a second term as their representative for the next four years.

McKenzie in the previous municipal election in 2018 upended the incumbent — long-time councillor and former city administrator Hilary Payne — but faced no significant challenges in rolling to victory this time over two challengers who were first-time municipal election candidates.

“This is validation of the work we have done over the last four years,” he said. “This campaign was about together and making progress. It was our slogan, but it meant something. It’s rooted in the reality of getting things done in Ward 9 the last four years.”

The 50-year-old, prior to being elected as city councillor, has had a long history in politics that includes working as assistant to MP Brian Masse for a dozen years, several political campaigns at the federal and provincial level, plus as a founder of Rose City Politics.

McKenzie vowed over the next four years he will continue his efforts in working towards ongoing improvements in parks, infrastructure and investment in his ward.

“People realize we are in a better place, but we still have a lot of work to do,” he said. “We have a tremendous amount of investment that will impact Ward 9 with the hospital and battery plant.

“You are also going to see a tremendous amount of investment in residential, commercial and industrial happening in Ward 9 over the next 10 to 15 years. People are excited for what’s coming, but the city currently has an infrastructure deficit and no plan to to support many of the investments. That’s where my focus will be. With development coming so quickly we will need to do a better job.”

Finishing behind McKenzie in their first run at city council were Harinder Cheema, 61, a local real estate, family and immigration lawyer, along with Dan Mokrzycki, 32, a program manager in the automotive industry and self-described “community dad.”

Ward 9 unofficial results

• McKENZIE, Kieran     72.39 %  (3261 Votes)
• CHEEMA, Harinder    19.31 %  (870 Votes)
• MOKRZYCKI, Dan   8.30 %  (374 Votes)

This article first published on WINDSOR STAR