York Region Council declares today Bill Fisch Day

YorkRegion.com
Nov. 13, 2014
By Laura Finney

York Region Council declared Nov. 13, 2014 Bill Fisch Day.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti introduced the motion to recognize Bill Fisch’s last day presiding over regional council.

Council members unanimously agreed in a recorded vote and Fisch received a standing ovation.

“If it’s my day, do I get the rest of the day off?” he quipped.

Today’s meeting was the final meeting of the 2010-2014 term regional council.

During the meeting Fisch thanked all of his colleagues on council and regional staff.

Councillors also took turns thanking him and recognizing the work he has done over his 26-year career in public service, including the last 17 years as regional chairperson and CEO.

Fisch was modest about the praise, adding he prefers to work behind the scenes.

“It feels good,” he said. “It’s embarrassing, but it still feels good.”

Fisch said he is looking forward to taking a break from public service and plans to spend four months in Florida with his wife.

But he also hinted he may get involved again at some point down the road.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to turn it off,” he added.

When asked, Fisch said he couldn’t pinpoint his proudest moment as chairperson.

“There have been so many that I’m not going to pull just one out,” he said. “I’m very proud of all the things we have done.”

Council will select the next regional chairperson during the inaugural meeting of the on Dec. 11.

While Fisch was hesitant to give advice, he is confident council will pick the right person for the job.

“Whoever is chosen will be excellent, because they are being chosen by people that know them, both their failings and their strengths,” he said. “When you have that information and knowledge you can choose someone who can really do the job for you."