Retiring Richmond Hill councillors Brenda Hogg, Vito Spatafora feted

Councillors were presented with original art works of their favourite local spots -- Lake Wilcox and the Mill Pond

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 12, 2018

“Goodbye tension, hello pension!”

The words on the cake reflect the bittersweet humour that marked retirement celebrations for longtime councillors Vito Spatafora and Brenda Hogg.

Friends, family and colleagues gathered Dec. 7 at the Richmond Hill Golf and Country Club to say goodbye and good luck to the municipal councillors who, between the two of them, devoted more than 50 years representing residents in the Town of Richmond Hill.

The politicians announced their retirement plans in June and, as part of the send-off, Mayor Dave Barrow said they were each asked to picture their favourite spot in Richmond Hill. Spatafora chose Lake Wilcox, Hogg chose the Mill Pond, and Wednesday night they were presented with original art depicting those two locations, created by local artists Ben Lee and Momin Khan of the Dynasty Watercolour Association.

York Region chair Wayne Emmerson congratulated Hogg for her 27 years of service including almost 20 years on regional council and 17 years as board director of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities -- the longest consecutive-serving politician in the history of the federation.

Hogg’s biggest legacy, he said, was in protecting the natural environment.

Spatafora, surrounded by his large family, was recognized for his 24 years of service and achievements including having served on more than 70 local, regional and provincial boards and founding Taste of the Hill, a premier event in the municipality.

Among his proudest achievements, Spatafora said, are protecting more than 1000 acres of the Oak Ridges moraine from development and creating a tow truck bylaw to protect residents from being gouged.

“It’s been an incredible ride.”

For Hogg, it was securing gas tax funds for local use and battling developers to save the Oak Ridges moraine.

“There were some scary times, but some really big wins for the town,” she said. “I’m proud of my contributions. I’m grateful for the experience. It was an education money can’t buy.”

Both politicians left words of wisdom for the municipality they leave behind. Hogg reminded town staff that they deserve respect, and Spatafora quoted former mayor Bill Bell, saying “it’s OK for council members to disagree if it’s done with integrity and respect.”