By CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
PEMBROKE — Whitewater Region Reeve Cathy Regier got right down to county business following the inauguration session Tuesday morning.
She was one of six members chosen by newly-elected Warden Jennifer Murphy to be a part of the striking committee that reviews the committee appointees.
“I was shocked,” she recalled when her name was called as part of the committee. “I did not expect this. I’m totally honoured to be selected.”
Warden Murphy said when she was creating the committee, not yet knowing if she was going to be re-elected but wanted to be prepared, she was blending sitting councillors and new councillors. She recalled when she was first elected to county council in 2010, she was vice-chair of the same committee under chair Reeve Jack Wilson.
As for Reeve Regier swearing the oath of office, it was hard for her not to smile and be happy.
“I’m honoured,” she said enthusiastically. “It’s so exciting and I’m just honoured to be here.
“I’m looking forward to the next four years. It is a true honour to be here, I’m just thrilled.”
The inauguration session included a vote for county warden. Bonnechere Valley Township Reeve Jennifer Murphy was seeking her third term, while McNab Braeside Township Mayor Tom Beckett was hoping to be elected to his first term.
Following the speeches by those who nominated and seconded, as well as from each of the candidates, a vote by ballot was taken and Reeve Murphy was declared the winner 10 votes to seven.
Warden Murphy thanked her mover and seconder, Laurentian Hills Mayor John Reinwald and Petawawa Mayor Bob Sweet, as well as county councillors for voting her in. She also thanked Mayor Beckett for putting his name forward.“I know we will continue to work closely together on this council,” she said. “Your experience and input is always welcome.”P
“To councillors new and returning I say thank you for your confidence and support,” she said, continuing, “I never take this position lightly and I will continue to represent you and this council in the manner that you and our communities expect.”
Warden Murphy thanked county and municipal staff at Bonnechere Valley for their support as well.
She also thanked former warden Art Jamieson and his wife Dorothy for attending the inauguration.
“It means so much to me to have your support in the gallery today,” she said.
Warden Murphy thought about the challenges and successes this council has faced in the past and knows that with council, family and friends supporting her, she is a more effective warden.
There has been much change, not only around the county council table with six new county councillors, but a change in the provincial government, as well as change in head staff at the county as well as from key positions.
“This year will also no doubt bring us change again, but that’s okay, we got this,” she said. “Change is always there, but this year, the thing that doesn’t change, is our dedication to strong advocacy, our strong commitment to facing new challenges and continuing to press forward for positive change on the issues that matter to us and our residents.”
County council will continue working on their relationship with Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke senior politicians – MPP John Yakabuski and MP Cheryl Gallant – to work on various projects – Highway 17, infrastructure, Petawawa Boulevard.
“We cannot take our foot off the gas pedal,” she said.
It’s important that a rural hand be applied when looking at the county’s Official Plan and how it aligns with the provincial policy statement, she said.
“We need to continue conversations with governments that a one-size fits all does inhibit growth and that the plan is reflected in our rural perspective,” she added.
County council will work together to make the best and most efficient decisions about the budget, always being aware of the challenges and uncertainty of the availability of senior government funding.
“We will tackle this with a unified approach and examine possible solutions, like shared services, expanding partnerships and a renewed focus on funding opportunities,” Warden Murphy said.
In 2019, a new vision for the county will be worked on with a new strategic plan that sets out goals and objectives for the future, she said.
“I so look forward to being the voice of our county at the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus,” Warden Murphy said. “I truly feel my role as vice chair has served me well. Advice that will serve me well as I chair in 2019.”
Committee chairs, vice chairs and all members of committee will continue to deliver effective solutions that will ensure that we are addressing the needs of our ratepayers, she said.
“You have my continued honour as I begin my third term as Warden of Renfrew County,” Warden Murphy said. “As we look forward to 2019, we will no doubt find ourselves party to many long conversations, debates and tough decisions, yet I know, as a council, we will all do so in a professional manner, in our arena of mutual respect as we continue to make Renfrew county the best it can be.”
Warden Murphy ended her inaugural speech with history from 100 years ago.
“Experience is learned from our history, so I’m going to share from 100 years ago in Renfrew County,” she said.
In January 1918, Horton Reeve James Barton was the Warden and there were 35 county members and a session of council lasted three days.
Discussion back then was council was seeking a grant to defray the expense of a provincial plowing match for the fall.
Fosters Bridge over the Muskrat River was repaired by re-planking a width of nine feet by three inches thick for a total cost of $11.87 plus the cost of hiring two men to work for $13.
The average salary paid to a male teacher was $1,800 while a female teacher received $620.
The total budget for Renfrew County in 1918 was $142,371.59.
To end the inauguration session, mayors from municipalities who do not sit county level were invited to the event to witness the swearing in and address council. Whitewater Region Mayor Mike Moore, who was not aware he could address county council, did not accept the invitation.
“Had I known I could address county council, I would have attended,” he said Tuesday evening.
He said by the time he found out he could address county council, it was too late for him to book time off work.
Those mayors who did address county council were Arnprior Mayor Walter Stack, Deep River Mayor Suzanne D’Eon, Renfrew Mayor Don Eady and Pembroke Mayor Mike Lemay, as well as Colonel Louis Lapointe and Commander and Chief Warrant Officer Tom Verner, both from Garrison Petawawa..
Whitewater Region Reeve Cathy Regier is on the Renfrew County Striking Committee, Operations Committee, Development and Property Committee and was appointed to the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association Board of Directors.
