Inaugural Georgina council sets 'inclusive' tone for next term

Ceremony sets stage for town's priorities moving forward

Yorkregion.com
December 11, 2018
Heidi Riedner

Before getting down to the business of the next four years, Georgina’s new and returning council members got to take in a moment of celebration at the inaugural meeting of the term at The Link Dec. 5.

Largely ceremonial in nature with each member being sworn into office by Andrew Biggart, the evening did, however, set the stage for the town’s priorities, and the tone, moving forward.

In her first official address to the public, Mayor Margaret Quirk said she was honoured and privileged to be entering her 21st year in politics and 2nd term as mayor.

With a nod to outgoing councillors Naomi Davison and Charlene Biggerstaff for a productive past term, Quirk looked ahead to a continuation of a number of projects during the next four years.

That includes capital projects such as the MURC, the Civic Centre, Pefferlaw Fire Hall, West Park redevelopment, the new Sutton Park, the next phases of The Link, and the Mossington Wharf and dredging of the Black River.

More immediately, however, is the tabling of the 2019 draft budget during council's first meeting Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Quirk promised a strong focus on economic development -- both a retention and expansion of existing businesses, as well as the attraction of new businesses and investment.

Communication with residents will also remain a high priority, Quirk said.

In addition to the Council Connection column starting up again in January as well as the Service Georgina show, the town will be looking at additional opportunities to engage residents, including informal chats in the community and newsletters.

The town is also currently in the middle of a communication survey asking for input on how and where residents want to receive information from the town.

Quirk also set the tone for moving forward, saying as elected officials and as a corporation, “we need to set an example.”

That includes expanding on the town's core values of integrity and respect to include attributes such as fairness, compassion and inclusiveness, Quirk said.

“In today’s world, many of these attributes are under attack or seen as a weakness. We need to take steps that Georgina’s vision statement -- that we are a progressive, growing, vibrant community -- is true not only in words but in action.”

Quirk welcomed returning and new council members with a reminder of the sentiments held by longtime politician Danny Wheeler -- who had been a member of council since 1982 up until his death in 2016.

“Gentlemen, we have a lot of hard work ahead of us and I know as we develop into a team, we will keep Danny’s words foremost in our thoughts -- care about people and their needs,” Quirk said, adding Wheeler’s guidance, knowledge and humour continue to be missed.

Back on council in a new role, Rob Grossi looked forward to working with fellow councillors for the collective good of Georgina.

He added his job as regional councillor and deputy mayor will be “to work with colleagues to make sure our environment gets the protection it deserves and to make sure that at the end of the day our wants and our needs take into consideration what we can afford.”

First-time councillor Mike Waddington promised to continue to listen to his Ward 1 residents and address their concerns while working toward creating the best possible Georgina for all.

With “seven distinct personalities” at the table, Waddington said he and his fellow councillors may not necessarily agree on absolutely everything, but added “there isn’t a doubt in my mind or my heart that these people don’t love the community they are here to serve.”