GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Steven Liebig, the runner-up in the Ward 3 councillor race here in 2018, has agreed to be appointed to the position.
Council formally declared councillor Louise Marshall’s position vacant on March 7.
On Feb. 18, Marshall submitted her letter of resignation and, effective March 4, the Ward 3 councillor stepped down from her position due to medical reasons.
At the March 7 meeting, councillors agreed to appoint the 2018 municipal election runner-up, which was deemed by staff to be the most cost efficient and timely option to fill the vacancy.
“It feels great to be given this opportunity,” Liebig said in a March 9 interview with the Advertiser.
“I’ve always had a real interest in serving the community I live in.
“I just get a lot of joy working with people and helping people and doing things that are beneficial for the community.”
Liebig first ran for council in 2010 for the Ward 4 position, coming in second to John Scott by a vote of 443-359.
In the 2018 election, Liebig received 556 votes for the Ward 3 position, trailing Marshall, who had 711.
Moving to Rockwood in 1991, Liebig co-owned the Foodland with his brother from 1991 to 2016.
Now retired, Liebig, 53, spends his time with friends and family.
“You really get to take a good look at life and you’re out of the hustle and bustle and really get to come closer with people and nature and life,” he said.
He also serves as a volunteer firefighter for the Guelph/Eramosa Fire Department, which he’s been a member of for 31 years, 18 as a captain.
He currently resides between Rockwood and Eden Mills with his wife Jennifer and their two children.
“I have two kids and a wonderful wife who supports everything I’m doing and it’s great to have her,” he said.
“I love raising my kids out here and I love the area.”
In terms of what he hopes to achieve during his time on council, Liebig noted it’s a short timeframe but he’s looking forward to dusting off his suit and getting into it.
“I want to focus on the moment,” he said. “I want to focus on learning more and hopefully sharing some knowledge with council and supporting whatever they’re doing.”
Asked about the election this fall, Liebig said he’s looking forward to running.
“Right now, I just want to put left foot in front of right,” he said.
He noted accepting the appointment to the Ward 3 seat “was an easy decision to make.
“Like I said, I like to get enjoyment out of helping people in the community and being part of the community so it was an easy decision.”
As for what residents can expect, Liebig said he’ll be available and able to address their concerns.
An oath of office to officially appoint Liebig as the new councillor for Ward 3 is expected to take place on March 21.
“Then I’ll be ready to go, I can take the car out of the park and put it in drive and carry on,” Liebig said.
“Fortunately, I have a lot of years of business experience and life experience so I can hopefully bring some good things to the table.”
