Mostly fond farewell for Stouffville councillors, mayor

YorkRegion.com
Nov. 28, 2014
Jim Thomas

A hand-printed poster at the entrance to the town council chambers Thursday evening read: “Goodbye and good luck”.

As modest as the sign may have seemed, for Mayor Wayne Emmerson and councillors Phil Bannon, Clyde Smith, Suzanne Hilton and Richard Bartley it possibly spelled the end of five political careers in Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Smith and Hilton did not seek re-election. Bannon and Bartley were defeated. Emmerson has   his sights set on York Region’s top post.

The Nov. 20 event, entitled a ‘Farewell Reception’, was not as sober as the sign indicated. Quite the opposite. The atmosphere instead was one of hugs and handshakes, not pessimistic and despondent partings. Even a few jests and jokes were tossed in along the way.

Call it a love-in.

Only Councillor Bannon came across as being, to a degree, acrimonious. Not concerning himself, but council as a whole. Even the electorate. He voiced concern that all the negativity expounded over the past six to eight years could, in his words “impact the people”.

“I hope it hasn’t imbedded itself in the political scene,” he said. He referred specifically to ‘the brown envelopes’ that mysteriously appeared on the pre-election horizon, calling the exploit “a  shame”. From furrowed foreheads that greeted the remarks, few seemed to comprehend what the alleged misdeeds were all about.

Mayor Emmerson, at his verbal best, praised the 11-year veteran, describing his area of concern as “the toughest ward”.

“He, (Bannon), handled it with ease,” he said. The mayor listed the many activities in which his associate had been involved.

Bannon referred to his political participation “as a great ride”, saying that while individuals all had personal opinions on particular issues, “when the page was turned, we ended up in the same book”.

“We were a cohesive unit,” he said, “we worked well together.”

He pointed with pride to the fact Whitchurch-Stouffville, with all its achievements, had maintained the lowest tax rate in the GTA.

He noted too that ‘time for change’ had become the election theme. “We’ll be looking for the ‘change’ that was forecast,” he warned.

Bannon returned the praise that he himself was accorded by the mayor, wishing him success in a bid for the regional chairmanship. “He’s the guy,” he concluded.

Both councillors Clyde Smith, Ward 3, and Suzanne Hilton, Ward 4, praised the town’s “expert staff”. Smith also complimented Ken Ferdinands and Rob Hargrave on their re-election. “Keep the ship sailing”, he said.

Hilton alluded to differences between municipal responsibilities and those of higher levels of government. “Here, we were able to meet personally with people within our wards,” she said.

“I love this community,” echoed Ward 5 Councillor Bartley. Like previous speakers, he praised the town’s “amazing” staff, referring to them as “employees who go above and beyond the call of duty”. Nor did he overlook support received from wife Marty and family. In announcing his defeat on election night he recalled his wife replying: “Now we’re a 100-per-cent family.”

Andrew McNeely, the town’s chief administrative officer, presented each outgoing councillor with personal road signs reading: Phil Bannon Street, Richard Bartley Drive, Clyde Smith Road and Suzanne Hilton Blvd.

McNeely, in an emotional address, praised the close association Mayor Emmerson had, over the years, built up with members of staff. In appreciation, a photo album was presented indicating the mayor’s many building accomplishments during his long period of service.

Emmerson, in turn, presented town crests and watches to each of the four honoured councillors.

The mayor, describing his position as “the best job in the world”, mentioned the multitude of fund-raising activities that had accrued thousands of dollars for worthwhile programs and projects. In initiating these events, he praised support received from committees and individuals including his three executive secretaries — Winnie Layland, Tamara Carlson and Colleen Clarke. He expressed hope the annual New Year’s Eve event in Stouffville Memorial Park would continue.

“This is what our town is all about,” he said.

In touching briefly on his hoped-for position as chairperson of the Region of York, the mayor said only “I’m looking forward to my next challenge”.

He was accorded two standing ovations.