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The Voice of North Grenville
Vol. 2, No. 43
October 29, 2014
North Grenville’s new council
Frank Onasanya, Jim Bertrand, Barb Tobin, David Gordon and Tim Sutton by David Shanahan
The North Grenville Times is Locally Owned and Operated
North Grenville has a new council to lead us through the next four years. On Monday night, Mayor David Gordon was returned for a second term after outdistancing his rivals by a significant margin. Also returning, and both for a third term, are Tim Sutton and Barb Tobin, who will be joined by newcomers, Jim Bertram and Frank Onasanya. It was strange night at the Municipal Centre Theatre as everyone waited for Cahl Pominville, Director of Corporate Services/ Clerk of the municipality, to arrive and announce the results. The votes were, in fact, quite definite. David Gordon got 2,304 votes, compared to 1,614 for Bill Forbes and 1,012 for John
Barclay. The result of the race for the four councillor positions was even more stark. Tim Sutton led the field with 3,272 votes, followed by Barb Tobin on 3,156. Frank Osanyana came in third place with 2,616, with Jim Bertram filling the final vacancy on 2,333 votes. So, the new municipal council is a fascinating blend of the novices and the veterans, and it should prove to be an interesting combination of talents, ideas and drives as the five of them deal with the many issues that are facing our community in the coming years. Everyone agreed that this was an important election in the history of North Grenville, considering the enormous potential growth in population and the increasingly complex
situations with which the council will have to grapple. But a word needs to be said about the other candidates who did not make it this time. Deron Johnston, Woody Armour, Rhonda Finnerty and John Barclay had the courage and commitment to their community to put themselves on the front line in this election. I know too well that the next week or two may be hard to get through, and wounds are there that need time to heal. They should have our respect. That may not mean much to them today, or next week, but I hope it will be make clear to them by their neighbours and friends that we appreciate them helping to make our democracy work for our benefit. Just remember: there is a future beyond today and you have
a role to play that is both necessary and valued. At the time of writing (late Monday night) the result of the races for school board trustee were not yet available. Congratulations to the newly-elected mayor and council. Different viewpoints are all part of the democratic process. You will have praise and criticism over the next four years, and not always from expected quarters. But you have been given a mandate by the people of North Grenville. We all trust you to live up to that honour and responsibility, and we promise to do our part to encourage you and add our voices when needed (if not only when asked). For now, enjoy the rest before you begin work on next year’s budget...tomorrow.
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