The incumbent candidate for Windsor mayor has appealed to residents to consider his experience, with potential challenges ahead.
Drew Dilkens met with reporters Tuesday morning at the Queen's Dock Pier in Olde Sandwich Towne for a campaign announcement that focused on his 12 years of experience at City Hall.
He discussed his experience guiding the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Ambassador Bridge blockade, and the current trade tiff with the U.S. administration.
Without naming any opponents, Dilkens said this wasn't the time for on-the-job training.
"It's going to take seasoned, experienced leadership that's proven to deliver results, to navigate through this very complex time," said Dilkens. "It's not a time for someone to walk in, and figure it out on the job and try to develop the relationships, and try to figure out what drawer to open and who to talk to."
With a January 1, 2027 deadline looming before U.S. President Donald Trump's threatened 50 per cent tariff on Canadian automobiles, Dilkens has asked voters to consider who they would rather have at the helm.
"I ask them to reflect on the serious times that we're in, and the serious decisions that are being made that will necessarily affect the future of our economy, that we have built here since 1904," said Dilkens.
He added that Windsorites can't afford to take a wait-and-see approach with respect to the results of the upcoming American midterm elections.
Dilkens has said that if voters give him a fourth term, it would be his last.
Other mayoral candidates include Benjamin Danyluk, Aaron Day, Fred Francis, Dylon Graves, Tara Grayer, Nick Kolasky, Tristan Ty Morencie, Kat Pasquach, Patrick Sutherland, and Louis Vautopic.
The election is on Monday.
