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Partnerships will help County prosper: Mayor

A record attendance of about 300 people greeted Prince Edward County staff and council during the New Year’s Levee Sunday at the  Wellington and District Community Centre.
Mayor Peter Mertens welcomed guests and dignitaries from the County, Quinte West, Belleville and CFB Trenton.
“We wanted to showcase one of our new facilities for the levee this year and we’re very pleased to have you here at the community centre today because this is a lot more fun than the new waste water treatment plant,” he joked.
Mertens introduced special guests from neighbouring municipalities – including MP Daryl Kramp, MPP Leona Dombrowsky, Quinte West Mayor John Williams, Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis and 8 Wing CFB Trenton Base Commander  David Cochrane – and called for beneficial and fruitful relationships over the next four years.
“We will continue the phenomonal relationships with neighbouring municipalities,” he said, noting that in today’s tough economic environment, “We can’t do things by ourselves so we have to look at our senior levels of government and our neighbours to partner with for efficiences and a better bang for our buck.”
The mayor said the new year will bring new challenges and opportunities and “some of the issues we will have to deal with are our heritage, affordable housing, growth, size of council and many others.
“Our new council is going to meet for strategic planning sessions, to determine priorities and interests and we can then as a council determine what our program will be for 2011.
“Fiscal management will be top of the line for both council and staff.  Shortly we will be going into budget deliberations and these are never easy but this year will be more challenging than ever. We must maintain and protect our essential services. We must continue to invest in our economy and continue to prepare for the opportunities that present themselves.”
Mertens expressed confidence that both senior levels of government will continue to make some money available for municipalities.
“We, as the smallest single-tier municipality in the province, have unique problems. We have over 1,000 square miles of property. We have over 1,000 kms of roads and all have to be fixed and cleaned with a very small tax base to do all that. We need to discuss a financial model that works for all of us.”
Mertens also praised the County’s many volunteers.
“I have yet to see an area that is as engaged with its volunteers. It’s something to cherish and to celebrate.”
The afternoon showcased volunteers from The Friends of Macaulay House who dressed in period costume and served food created from recipes prior to 1900. Displays showed the work of the museums, the heritage committee, architectural treasures and historical prominence.
Mertens also spoke of the many talented people who live in Prince Edward County and extended an invitation to them to step forward to work together in the new year.
“Council must take advantage of that knowledge and talent and we look forward to working with the many talented people in the County.”

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