Andrea Kaiser built a steady lead early Monday evening in the race for regional councillor but was hesitant to declare victory until all the polls had reported. 

“I feel pretty good,” she said. “You never know until all the votes are in, but I’ve always appreciated the experience.” 

Her early lead held and grew over the hour or so between the polls closing at 8 p.m. and the full results being posted at 9:08 p.m.

She garnered 3,100 votes, 44 per cent of the regional ballots cast, for a sweeping victory over Paolo Miele (1,709) and William Roberts (1,134). 

Kaiser said her experience watching the results at the community centre in her hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake was an especially sweet part of the election. 

“Niagara-on-the-Lake is a really special community. As corny as it sounds, there’s something truly magical about it,” she said. “I grew up here and I love the town.”

As regional councillor, she said, one of her goals will be to try to give regional issues and decisions a higher profile among NOTL residents.

Kaiser’s support system was there to celebrate the victory with her, including her daughter Madison, whom she shared a warm embrace with as the final numbers were announced.

“I am really thankful, it’s going to be a great opportunity,” said Kaiser.

“I love Niagara and so I’m looking forward to representing Niagara-on-the-Lake.”