Regardless of the outcome of next week’s municipal elections, there will be one councillor here not returning to the table. Earlier this year, councillor Bob Mason announced that he would not be seeking re-election.
Since Wellington North currently has no council meetings slated for November, Mayor Mike Broomhead said the Oct. 18 meeting could potentially be Mason’s last meeting on council.
“For sure it’s Bob’s last meeting, and possibly others as well,” Broomhead said.
He did not want to miss the chance to offer his appreciation for Mason’s work over the years – even though he anticipated something more formal at a later date.
“We certainly appreciated all the effort you put in. We thank you for all your hard work and dedication. You added a lot to this council. We’re all quite proud of your accomplishments – they are many.”
Mason offered his appreciation to the voters in Ward 2 who supported him and gave him the opportunity to sit on council for the past several years. “We’ve been very progressive and I’ve enjoyed it. I’m going to miss not sitting around the table.”
Mason also commented on his work with other members of council. “We may not always agree, but I think we made some pretty good decisions. Those decisions may not have been popular, but I think they were in the best interest of the township.” “It’s been a great seven years.”
Councillor John Matusinec added, “It’s been a pleasure working with you. And like you said, we haven’t always agreed, but we came close most of the time.”
Matusinec said Mason has made a tremendous contribution to the township.
“It’s been a real honour working with you.”
Councillor Dan Yake said there was not much he could add to the previous comments.
“Congratulations, Bob, on what you’ve done here. Thank you for working so hard and diligently on all the things you’ve done.”
When Mason was wished the best in his retirement, he quipped, “I’m going to drop in and sit in the back corner.”
Councillor Ross Chaulk was absent.
