Town Council

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Saugeen Shores Town Council

(Back L) Councilors Gary Brown, Thead Seaman, Marcel Legault, Taun Frosst & Fred Shildroth

(Front L) Deputy Mayor, Luke Charbonneau, Mayor Mike Smith, Councilor Diane Huber

Despite blizzard conditions outside, the Inaugural meeting of Saugeen Shores new Town Council went ahead as scheduled in the Town Chambers.

Clerk Linda White presents Chain of Office to Mayor Mike Smith

Mayor Mike Smith received the Chain of Office from Town Clerk, Linda White and each member of Council signed a declaration as required under the Municipal Act of Ontario.

"There has been a lot of trust placed with council by the community," said the Mayor, "and we try to come up with the best decisions.  As I look back at the beginning of last term, who would have envisioned the many we projects that we have gone through.  I suspect however, that we have an idea of where we will go over the next four years and I look forward to the support of Council."

New Deputy Mayor, Luke Charbonneau, swears Oath of Office

Newly elected as Deputy Mayor, Luke Charbonneau, thanked those who had voted for him and said that he is looking forward to working with each of the new Council members.  "I look forward to working with Council and on moving our community forward.  I know there will be challenges and I will begin to work on those areas that I raised during my campaign - Downtown Improvement plans, the Waterfront project and Economic Development.  I want to see this community continue to grow as a place to work, play and raise a family."

Newcomer to Council, Marcel Legault representing Port Elgin, said that he looks forward to making a positive contribution over the next four years as Councilor.

Thead Seaman, returning for another term, pointed out that council does not always agree.  "That's why there are nine of us," he pointed out.  "We work through situations, we don't hold grudges and, when make a decision, we move on."

The other newcomer to Council, Gary Brown, said that he was honoured to be part of Council and looks forward to the next four years.

Returning Councilor, Fred Shildroth, said he felt the success of the community's prosperity was due to the good working relationship that exists on Council.  "You can see the turmoil all around us (Saugeen Shores) and I agree with Councilor Seamn, we don't always agree but when we make a decision, we then move on."

The only woman that now remains on Council, Diane Huber, said that while she represents Southampton at the table, it is also about the whole community of Saugeen Shores.  "I believe we have the healthiest and most vibrant community in the County.  I think there will be some opportunities over the next four years to create the kind of the community that will attract more people, both to live and visit and that will keep our community vibrant.  I also have to thank the Mayor for making some wonderful in-roads with the Saugeen First Nations and that's very important to both our communities.

Councilor, Taun Frosst, who had been appointed in the previous term with the resignation of Jane Barber, said that his satisfaction came from knowing that he had been officially elected and, therefore, he was looking forward to the next four years as an elected Councilor.

Reverend Keith Reynolds of Southampton United Church gave the invocation and reminded Council and each Councilor of the gifts that each has and brings to the table.  "The community has placed its trust in you as a council and in each of you."

Councilors read Declaration of office

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Monday, December 06, 2010