Thank God for the brave citizens of Rutland, Vermont, who finally had enough of their longtime Mayor Chris Louras.

Louras was up for reelection and promised his constituents that he would important refugees. At a time when most Americans are struggling to support their own families, Louras believed it was a good idea to bring more refugees in to be a drain on the system.

Louras lost the election on Tuesday to City Councilor David Allaire, who opposed Louras on several key issues, including the refugee resettlement program.

Allaire, who has served as an alderman for 19 years and ran for mayor twice before, led an investigation to see if Louras had broken any laws with his plan to import refugees.

Many locals opposed the plan, citing safety concerns.

Allaire attacked Louras’ plan during the election, saying that he never bothered to ask the public what they thought about it.

Louras ended up blaming his loss on a number of local issues, but ultimately understood his refugee resettlement program likely had the biggest impact.

“Though I wanted to think this was not a referendum on refugee resettlement, I continue to believe, as I’ve articulated, Rutland is a microcosm of the national conversation on immigration and refugees, and ultimately it was not an election on the issues but an election based on emotions,” the five-term incumbent said.

Allaire agreed with Louras.

“Any time any kind of an issue like this comes up, my first stop is going to be with talking with the people and my colleagues and the city of Rutland. They want transparency, they want frankness, and I’m going to make sure from day one that’s exactly what I do,” Allaire told WCAX.

Allaire had unsuccessfully tried to oust Louras in 2013 and 205.

At least the voters of Rutland were able to vote for an individual that understands their needs.