Patricia Mills, who finished in second place in Greater Sudbury's 2018 mayoral election, struck a conciliatory tone Tuesday night, congratulating Mayor Brian Bigger for winning a second term.
Mills captured 9,746 votes, as opposed to Bigger's 14,684. Third-place finisher Dan Melanson won 8,673 votes.
“People voted for the future they wanted for Greater Sudbury,” she said. “It may not be what we want, but most of the people voted for what they want.”
Mills emphasized the need for unity after such a divisive campaign.
“You were either pro or anti KED,” she said. “You were either pro big spending or fiscal prudence. You were either pro or anti downtown.
“It's time for us to end the divide. We do need to come together and unite our city. There are so many challenges ahead, and what the city needs now is support and co-operation. We need to mend our wounds.”
Mills said she didn't consider that she lost, adding her campaign, which she claimed was the best in this election, accomplished a lot.
“We shed an important light on the need for the wise use of our money, brought attention to our vibrant neighbourhoods, and the need to invest in all of our town centres,” she said.
