COBDEN — The swearing-in ceremony for the newly-elected Whitewater Region Township council was held Wednesday afternoon.
“I’m a new mayor with a lot of nervousness about him,” said Hal Johnson, bringing laughter from the crowd gathered for the event. “I’ve never done this before. I intend to have fun with it as we go forward.”
Mr. Johnson was first to take the oath of office and once sworn in as mayor, chief administrative officer Christine FitzSimons presented him with the Chain of Office. In front of a large crowd of family, friends and staff, the rest of council also took the oath of office – Reeve Terry Millar and councillors Chris Olmstead, Charlene Jackson, Dave Mackay, Daryl McLaughlin and Cathy Regier.
Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon addressed the new council. He is hopeful of getting around to the new councils as they are sworn in, he said.
“To council, your family, friends and the community, an election and a new council is an opportunity to renew your community,” Warden Emon said. “It’s an opportunity to contribute in a different way and it speaks volumnes that you are all sitting here, that you have the confidence of your community.”
He knows those elected recognize the responsibilities they have and understand that the “hopes and aspirations of your community are on your backs.”
Council members should not be worried or nervous, because they each have a skill that will allow them to meet the community’s expectations, Warden Emon said.
“One of the more interesting challenges in the transition from municipal politician in an election to governance, is to keep the focus on meeting the needs of your whole community,” he said.
Council and governance involve a lot of working together, and he said the relationship will be similar to an extended family.
“You’ll need to learn patience with eac other and with all you interact with,” he added.
Warden Emon looks forward to working with council, and congratulated them, on behalf of County Council, on their election. He told them if they have questions, to give him a call, and he will answer them, or find someone who can answer them.
Bringing laughter from the crowd, as well as council, Warden Emon said, “Terry you clean up very well. Terry and I have met a couple of times and both of us were dressed quite casually. I have to admit, I’m very impressed.”
Mayor Johnson then gave his inaugural speech.
“The Township of Whitewater Region, as of today, starts a new and exciting journey,” he said. “The people have changed the core of the management team. We have been asked to change direction with caution, but also with vigor. This we will do.”
Mayor Johnson thanked the outgoing council for their hard work and commitment to the township.
“They have achieved some very important goals that we can expand on,” Mayor Johnson said. “I’m confident that we can take this township forward and build on what the previous council has done.
“Our new council has new challenges and new ideas. They are a very diverse team in their experience and expertise. They are very excited about their new role and responsibilities.”
Mayor Johnson noted there is going to be a learning curve for council and is hopeful the residents and staff will be patient.
“As mayor I will lead the team that will work towards unity and positive growth,” he said. “I look forwad to hearing what the people want and need.”
The success of Whitewater Region Township will include working with the private sector, tourism and agriculture to attract new development and promote sustainability, he said.
Mayor Johnson then made a promise to the people of Whitewater Region Township.
“This I promise to you – we will work hard and we will work for all of Whitewater Region,” he said. “Success is a journey, not a destination.”
