Tonight was the first meeting of the newly elected 2007-2010 Milton Town Council. While the snow was beginning to fall outside, the room was warm with anticipation of a full house that attended this very ceremonial event.
While people slowly filed into the packed council chambers, the new councillors were downstairs eagerly anticipating the pomp and circumstance that was to follow. We could hear the pipes coming from a distance and as the piper made his way up the stairs the new Milton Town Council made their way to the designated seats. There were only 2 new additions to this council, Wards 2 & 4 Local and Regional Councillor Colin Best and Ward 4 Local Councillor Paul Schere. Both of them have had a long association with Milton (Colin had served previously on council in the term previous to the last one).
The ceremony started off with O Canada and the Lords Prayer followed by each councillor stating their oath of office for the next 4 years. Mayor Gord Krantz (never short for words) stated his vision and outlook for Milton over the next term stating that he would focus on managing growth and keeping the line on any tax increases. After that each councillor made a “maiden” speech thanking their friends and loved ones for the help and support during the eleciton campaign.
I would like to thank Rick Day, who took the time in his speech to acknowledge and publicly thank me and regional councillor candidate Tony Lambert , who was also in attendance, for our efforts in this past campaign. He didnt have to…he could have very well talked about his vision for the town, what he plans on doing and entertained us as only Rick can. But he took the time to pubiclly acknowledge and thank me … and it was a very classy move.
Ward 3 councillor Cindy Lunau, with whom I work closely with on the Milton 150th Anniversary Master Committee, also took the time in her speech to acknowledge both myself and the other vice-chair of the committee Kevin for our work. Thank you Cindy.
During the last campaign you could count on one hand the number of websites candidates had in Milton. By the end of the October, many of the current and former councillors now have websites, including Cindy www.cindylunau.ca
Jan Mowbray the other councillor for Ward 3 has had a website up and running for some time www.janmowbray.ca and shes kept it up to date.
It’s really nice to see that we have some people on town council utilizing websites. As I mentioned during the campaign, we need to have more people using this new-er technology in order to help communicate with the residents and taxpayers of Milton. I know that with the success of my site over the campaign, it can and IS used as a source of information.
Back to the Council chambers….the night ended with the Mayor acknowledging the presence of some dignitaries and special guests. Newly elected Regional Chair Gary Carr was in attendance. While other municipalities had their inaugrual meetings tonight, he took the time to attend Milton’s. It just goes to show that Milton’s importance is beginning to shine through and be noticed. We’re not the quiet and sleepy town we once were.
Other special guests included Walter Gretzky who has been involved in helping Milton and fundraising for several events. As a hockey fan, I found myself to be a bit speechless when I walked by him. Mr Gretzky has been through a lot in his life and overcome many obstacles and still manages to do as much as he can for others. This is one person who exhibits true community service…and he is truly a great man.
I unfortunately couldnt make the after party at Hugh Foster Hall so I made my way back home. Tonight was a night of celebrations and ceremony. All of the councillors in their speeches made mention of public service, listening to what they have heard during the campaign and commitment. (Father Mark Curtis made mention of boots…but you’ll have to see the replay on TV Cogeco to get that one!) Lets hope the enthusiam and excitement continues on and the promises made during the campaign are followed through. Four years is a very long time but as we’ve understood from the past, Milton residents have long memorys. I wish this council much luck over the next 4 years in the tough decisions to be made.
My committment to the people in the Town of Milton is to continue with the website and update everyone, especially those in Ward one, what is happening at town hall, how it affects you and what you can do to voice your concerns. I had said during the campaign, that if I was elected, I would keep everyone updated. Although I wasnt successful…the committment stands.
