It was all smiles as Mulmur Township council members were sworn in Wednesday morning.
Council member Earl Hawkins returned to his seat along with Mayor Paul Mills and Deputy Mayor Heather Hayes, both acclaimed. New to the table are Keith Lowry and Janet Horner.
Members took the oath and signed official documents after being piped into the council chambers at town hall in Terra Nova by township treasurer Heather Boston.
Elected officials expressed enthusiasm and hope for the coming four-year term.
“We’re going to have some real challenges in the next four years but the main thing is that we move Mulmur forward,” said Mills.
Hayes said she is looking forward to working with a great group of councillors.
“I’m looking forward to building Mulmur up,” she said adding, she looks forward to doing business “without tears and without curling up in the fetal position”.
She agreed there would be challenges but it will be challenges with issues and not challenges with personalities.
Lowry said he is looking forward to working as a team over the next four years, advocating for responsible growth in and for Mulmur.
“I may not always agree but I will always listen and work to find the best resolution available,” he said.
“We are going to do what’s right for all the people in Mulmur and not just some,” said Horner.
Hawkins welcomed new council members and complimented township staff.
“We won’t always agree certainly not, and we shouldn’t. That’s a yes man’s council. So speak up and at the end of the meeting; go away happy. Don’t go away angry,” he said.
“I am looking forward to the next four years… I think they’re going to be good,” said Hawkins, hesitantly choosing his words. “I didn’t offend anybody.”
Several councillors’ comments alluded to the particularly dysfunctional term of council resulting in police charges and legal battles.
Mills told the gallery of onlookers, “This is your council for 2014-1018, any input or suggestions, bring it on.”
Council members also thanked family members for their support and thanked voters for their trust.
Former Mulmur Township councillor, deputy reeve, Dufferin County councillor and warden John Franklin took the opportunity, when the mayor invited members of the public to speak, to say council cannot be a collective of nostalgia.
“We cannot live in the past and the present is so brief and transitory. We are only left with the future,” said Franklin.
He said thoughtful negotiation and compromise are needed to satisfy the needs of the community.