New council to take centre stage for inaugural meeting – public invited
Administrator | Nov 19, 2018 | Comments 4
The newly elected council will take centre stage Tuesday, Dec. 4.
And the public is invited to attend as Picton’s Regent Theatre will host the inaugural meeting of council beginning at 7 pm.
“Because we were elected to represent people across Prince Edward County, we want to share this special occasion with as many of them as possible,” said Steve Ferguson, Mayor-elect.
Councillors taking the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Elected Office that evening alongside Mayor-elect Ferguson include: Kate MacNaughton and Phil St-Jean (Ward 1 Picton), Phil Prinzen and Brad Nieman (Ward 2 Bloomfield/Hallowell), Mike Harper (Ward 3 Wellington), Janice Maynard, Bill McMahon, and Andreas H. Bolik (Ward 4 Ameliasburgh), Jamie Forrester (Ward 5 Athol), Bill Roberts (Ward 6 Sophiasburgh), Ernie Margetson (Ward 7 Hillier), Stewart Bailey (Ward 8 North Marysburgh), and John Hirsch (Ward 9 South Marysburgh).
A reception in the lobby of the Regent Theatre follows the swearing-in ceremony.
Ferguson has said the past weeks leading to the inauguration have been both informative and exciting. He has met with all the councillors who will join him at the horseshoe.
“You have elected a dynamic, engaged and enthusiastic group and I feel we’ll work well together,” he said. Among matters discussed were the 2019 budget, short-term licensing and cannabis regulation that all must be dealt with before the end of March.
“We’re all in agreement about the need for transparency and communication with the public; engagement and County-wide involvement; and exceeding the high standards and expectations of those who elected us.”
Ferguson has also met with municipal departments initiating discussions about cost-savings in moving from paper agendas to digital delivery in an effort to save time, money and paper.
“This week there have been several meetings with senior staff members about establishing goals and priorities during orientation; an overview of presentations municipal departments will make and getting a better understanding of reporting lines and areas of responsibility within the municipality,” he said. “There is lots to do.”
He also reports good meetings with Mayor Quaiff and mayors-elect of Quinte West and Belleville, MPP Todd Smith and OPP detachment commander John Hatch.
There is no cost to attend the inaugural meeting at the Regent Theatre (224 Picton Main Street). Everybody welcome.
Filed Under: Local News
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Doesn’t sound elaborate to me — I think a more dynamic and visible council will be a welcome change. My new Councillor is already responsive and approachable.
Yes there are huge issues as aforementioned, but let’s give the new team a chance.
We need well paying jobs, housing for all (short term rental regulations) will do nothing, affordable water, not the highest in Province, food bank support, leveling of tax increases, an infrastructure plan. A Council that cares about those that lived here for generations as opposed to the wealthy arriving.
I agree. We have very serious issues facing this County, none less than the binge to tourism, arts and fine dining,leaving locals desperate to remain living where they call home. A $22.00 hamburger with $9.00 fries on the side speaks volumes!
Not certain, what kind of message this elaborate inauguration sends. I hope it is a lead into lower taxes, lower water rates and tackling infrastructure. The “arts” are not high priority.