It was a moment to reflect on March 26 as Centre Wellington councillor Mary Lloyd ends her time on township council to take on a new role as a Wellington County Ward 5 councillor.
A county committee recommended Lloyd as the replacement for Rob Black, who vacated the posted after being named to the Canadian Senate.
County council is expected to finalize Lloyd’s appointment on March 29.
Mayor Kelly Linton said if all goes well, March 26 marked Lloyd’s final meeting as a Centre Wellington councillor.
“I remember going to our first conference together,” said Linton.
“Me and Mary and Steve (VanLeeuwen) went to London as new rookie councillors trying to figure out what we had gotten ourselves into and learning about what councillors are and are not supposed to do.”
Linton added, “We are going to miss councillor Lloyd as a member of township council.”
He noted he did not always see eye-to-eye with Lloyd, but he listed several characteristics he says will make Lloyd “a really good county councillor.”
Linton said Lloyd “is always prepared. You would never see her coming to a meeting without having read the entire agenda and all the reports.”
He added, “She cares about her constituents and she is in political office for the right reasons. She cares about what people think. She is passionate about the community and sees the long-term perspective about what needs to happen.
“… and she knows we sometimes have to make difficult decisions.”
Linton added Lloyd “does a ton of committee work, which is where we are really going to miss her.”
He pointed to some of that work, which includes the Groves hospital board, the growth management committee, safe communities and doctor recruitment.
“It’s going to be really tough to replace her,” he said.
At the same time, Linton believed Lloyd will fit in well at county council.
“It will be good to be able to work with her and for her to bring her expertise there,” he said. “But we really will miss her at the township council table.”
Linton thanked Lloyd for her years on council.
“On behalf of all of us on council and from the community you served … thank you and good luck,” Linton said.
Lloyd talked about her time on council.
“In 2010 when I put my name forward for an elected position in the township, I … (wondered) whether I would be up to the task and whether I would be able to answer the questions which would be asked of me, and feel like I am doing a good job,” she said.
Lloyd said she has appreciated the opportunities to learn.
“I can only say it has been an honour and privilege to represent Ward 3 at this table,” she said.
Later in the meeting, councillor VanLeeuwen also added his congratulations “to our newest county councillor.”
