WINDSOR, Ont. — As a euphoric crowd at the Caboto Club chanted his name and his mantra "taxpayers first," newly re-elected Mayor Eddie Francis promised to forge ahead with his plans and told investors the city was "open for business."

Francis arrived with his wife, Michelle, and two young children in tow, shortly after 10 p.m. and shortly after mayoral challenger Rick Limoges delivered a concession speech to teary-eyed supporters, waving placards and wearing black T-shirts with his campaign slogan on them.

Limoges took the loss in stride, saying it was doubtful he was back in politics for good and acknowledged a broad base of support for Francis.

Limoges, who entered the mayor's race late in the game, said it was unlikely that six months of door-knocking would have been enough to beat Francis, who had more than 56 per cent of the vote.

Voter turnout was more than 46 per cent. In the last election it was about 38 per cent.

The night also saw the ouster of veteran Coun. Ken Lewenza, who lost to challenger Ed Sleiman in Ward 5. Coun. Ron Jones hung on by three votes over John Elliott in a race that is expected to go to a recount.

Francis said the "silent majority" of taxpayers supported his bid and they spoke loudly. Francis secured 39,384 votes compared to 28,354 votes or just over 40 per cent for Limoges.

"We won a victory here ... I think we really woke this city up," Limoges said of his campaign. "I have no regrets.

"I don't think I could've done anything differently. In the final analysis, you've got a direction the city is heading in, and apparently the majority like that," Limoges said.

"I'm proud of our positive campaign," said Francis, who enters his third term at the helm. Reducing debt and keeping a lid on taxes will remain his priorities, he said. "And we are open for business," he added.

Limoges said Francis shouldn't forget the large number of Windsorites who feel disenfranchised by the decisions made by the current council and mayor. Windsor's labour community put its support behind the challenger.

"I think it does give Eddie Francis and council a very strong mandate to hold the line on taxes," said University of Windsor political scientist Lydia Miljan.

She said results elsewhere across the province, including Rob Ford's victory in Toronto, indicate "clear dissatisfaction" with any politicians who aren't focused on fiscal responsibility.

"We can really work with this mayor; he understands the downtown," said Chris Edwards, executive director of the Downtown Windsor BIA. He and other business-oriented voices expressed satisfaction that Francis will continue his path of economic transformation.

While Limoges "is a great guy," downtown businessman and civic blogger Mark Boscariol said he felt Francis had much broader support and appeal. He credits having a competitive mayor's race for a far better discussion on how to move forward on important downtown issues.

"A lot of these things were brought to a head because of the (campaign) we had," said Boscariol.

"He was gracious," University of Windsor professor emeritus Lloyd Brown-John said of Limoges' concession speech. He said the businessman, former longtime councillor and MP was a good candidate "who helped define the issues much more clearly."

Francis said he was looking forward to working with new voices at the council table.

"I'm going to get along with Eddie Francis ... he's the boss," said Hilary Payne, the new Ward 9 councillor and long-time former Windsor CAO who is also behind two lawsuits against the city.

"In me, they will find a willing partner," Francis said of his working relationship with the new council. "I cannot do it alone," he told the Caboto crowd, which included many Limoges supporters who booed the incumbent.

"It'll be cats and dogs," Brown-John said of the Francis-Payne pairing at the new council table. The last time he appeared before council during discussion on boarded-up west-side homes, a yelling Payne was escorted out by police.