First council meeting sets “careful” and “collaborative” tone for session
“Municipal politics does not get the fanfare, but it’s the grassroots of politics and in my opinion the most important level because it’s where you can affect change the most,” said Woodstock Mayor Jeff Wright after his swearing-in ceremony on June 9.
The swearing-in ceremony and Woodstock’s new council’s first meeting took place before a full room of spectators.
Each member took their turn at the podium, reading out their oaths before taking their places around the council table.
May Atkinson is the new representative for Ward 1, William Belyea for Ward 2, Scott Dunlop for Ward 3, John Dilimount, Laura Gaddas, Mark Rogers and Arthur Slipp for Ward 4 and Keith Bull for Ward 5.
Mayor Wright took time to thank his community for the faith they placed in him by voting for him. He thanked his wife for her ongoing support, as well as all those who showed interest in serving in this election. He committed to transparency, careful decision-making, and healthy collaboration amongst both the council and the community.
“[We will] encourage citizen engagement and public consultation with an open dialogue with residents before any major decisions are made,” said Mayor Wright.
Wright also thanked the former Mayor and council for all the hard work they’d put in over the last three and a half years.
“You set the stage for us to move forward, and hopefully we’re able to piggyback on that and make some very monumental moves for the town of Woodstock,” said Wright. “The electorate has spoken, and I believe we’re going to accomplish a lot of amazing things over the next four years.”
The council chose Mark Rogers as the town’s deputy mayor for a second term.
“Your role is important and your deliberations and decisions over the next four years will impact us all in many ways,” said CAO Allan Walker. “You will ultimately determine the type of town you now are and aspire to be. Each of you brings different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to the council table, and it’s that diversity that will lead to healthy, respectful discussion and debate on the topics that come to council. We look forward to that discussion and the good decisions that will flow out of it.”
After the first council meeting, the newly elected council spent time meeting and greeting the audience over refreshments before their first closed session, during which the CAO could answer their questions and help them get up to speed on issues.
