MAPLETON – Outgoing Mapleton councillor Lori Woodham thanked municipal staff, councillors and local residents for their support over the past four years at the Nov. 27 meeting.
Woodham, who did not seek re-election after serving her first term on council, complimented township staff for their efforts.
“I can’t say thank you enough for the answers to all my questions,” said Woodham, who also thanked staff “for working with me, walking me through things.
“I truly believe that we have the best staff working at Mapleton Township by far,” she added.
Woodham also expressed appreciation for her fellow council members.
“I really enjoyed working with each one of you. I’m positive I’ve said to each one of you – ‘In all due respect I have to disagree’ – but I think that’s democracy and I think, as a whole, this council has had some excellent debates and, at the end of the day, I think that we made the decision that we found was best for our citizens in Mapleton Township and that’s something I’m proud of.”
Woodham continued, “I believe public service is a rewarding, challenging endeavour. It takes patience, broad vision and sometimes courage – I think I should change that to all-the-time courage – to ensure that concerns of our citizens are handled in an attentive and fair and balanced manner.
“I would also like to thank residents of Mapleton Township, of course, for their vote four years ago to give me this opportunity to serve on council.”
Woodham also thanked her family “for your patience as I studied agenda items from Thursday night until Sunday.
“Weekends sometimes got away on me and perhaps sometimes I didn’t participate in family events,” she noted.
Councillor Dennis Craven said, “You will be missed around here, Lori. You will be missed.”
“Personally it’s been a fantastic learning experience sitting here beside you, covering the west side of this horseshoe,” said councillor Michael Martin.
“I’ve really enjoyed your opinions and perspective on issues as they come through.”
Woodham acted as chair for her final meeting in the absence of Mayor Neil Driscoll.
Councillor Michael Martin, who joined councillors Dennis Craven and Marlene Ottens in presenting an appreciation plaque from the township to Woodham, said Driscoll, the outgoing mayor, will also receive a plaque recognizing his eight years of service as a council member.
The 2019 to 2022 council, including mayor-elect Gregg Davidson and councillor-elect Paul Douglas, was sworn in at the inaugural meeting on Dec. 3.
