The new council has officially been sworn in in Prince Edward County.
It was a full house at the Regent Theatre in Picton last night (Tuesday) to see Mayor Steve Ferguson and the newly elected council take the oath of office.
Justice of the Peace Ernie Parsons swore in the new council and mayor.
He said he felt confident there was no Russian collusion in this election, which collected a laugh from the new council, staff and the audience alike.
Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson at the Regent Theatre on December 4, 2018. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Mayor Steve Ferguson says he’s met individually with the councillors and the vibes are good.
There are four returning members of council in Brad Nieman, Janice Maynard, Jamie Forrester and Bill Roberts. Phil St. Jean also returns to municipal office.
There was a moment of laughter as Mayor Ferguson needed outgoing Mayor Robert Quaiff to button up his gown on stage before presenting the Chain of Office.
Former Prince Edward County Mayor Robert Quaiff shakes hands with incoming Steve Ferguson after presenting him with the Chain of Office. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Ferguson says this council can’t wait to get to work.
During his inaugural speech, Ferguson told council and the residents in attendance he has a family history in municipal politics and a speech made by his great-grandfather on Janurary 5, 1905 still has relevance today.
He said the words: “The occupancy of this chair, which has come to me through the good will of the electors, I accept with due appreciation and sensibility of its importance and responsibility” still make an impact.
Ferguson continued on by saying the residents of Prince Edward County voted for change, and that is what they are getting; a change in personnel around the horseshoe and a change in the way they do business.
He stated they pledge to do a better job of communicating the facts, the challenges, the issues, so that our debates are informed, so that we keep members of the community engaged in the discussion, so they can focus on the issues that matter the most.
Councillors include:
Ward One – Picton: Kate McNaughton, Phil St. Jean
Ward Two – Bloomfield/Hallowell: Brad Nieman, Phil Prinzen
Ward Three – Wellington: Mike Harper
Ward Four – Ameliasburgh: Andreas Bolik, Janice Maynard, Bill McMahon
Ward Five – Athol: Jamie Forrester
Ward Six – Sophiasburgh: Bill Roberts
Ward Seven – Hillier: Ernie Margetson
Ward Eight – North Marysburgh: Stewart Bailey
Ward Nine – South Marysburgh: John Hirsch
Prince Edward County’s New Year’s Levee is set for January 5 at the Picton Community Centre at 2 p.m.
