The work starts now for West Nipissing’s new council.
After being sworn in Tuesday night, Mayor Kathleen Thorne-Rochon says the oath of office they’ve taken is the foundation of their commitment to work together for the benefit of the municipality’s residents.
“It’s a great privilege to serve in an elected position,” she says. “We have asked the people to put their faith in us to make decisions that significantly affect their lives. Our response should not be pride in being elected but humility in the face of the task they have entrusted to us.”
Thorne-Rochon says residents have overwhelmingly voted for change and it’s up to everyone on council to deliver.
“From the outset of the campaign I spoke at length about putting the unity back into community, about establishing a council that is rooted in the ideals of common sense, collaboration, facilitation and fairness,” she says. “These words are not just a campaign slogan or election gimmick.
Thorne-Rochon says they are the core values she believes will lead to their collective success and is the foundation on which she intends to lead.
She says the job officially starts Wednesday, but in the weeks since the election, she’s already met with CAO Jay Barbeau putting plans into place to facilitate a smooth transition.
“The professionalism and expertise of our CAO and his team will be a critical factor in our success as they advise us and carry out our strategies to address issues and capitalize on opportunities,” says Thorne-Rochon.
She wrapped up her inaugural address by saying everyone wants the municipality to be better than when they started – and it’s now time to roll up their sleeves and get at it.