Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin was sworn in as Northumberland County council's Deputy Warden at this week's meeting, a role she accepted at the December meeting of county council.
“I am honoured to take on the responsibilities of Deputy Warden for the coming year and I thank my council colleagues for their nomination and support,” Martin stated in a subsequent press release.
“In 2021, County Council will continue to navigate the complexities of advancing core municipal priorities and providing key services, while evaluating policies and programs to support our residents and staff through this ongoing global pandemic.
“With the promise of COVID-19 vaccines on the horizon, we will continue to engage with our health care partners to support local roll-out, and we will prioritize actions that stimulate economic recovery.
“I firmly believe in the strength of our intermunicipal collaboration to effect positive change and deliver value for the residents of Northumberland. It is a privilege to take on this leadership role, and I look forward to working with staff and supporting the Warden in steering the important work taking place at the county council table,” Martin stated.
Martin assumed her county council seat in 2018, when she was first elected Cramahe Township Mayor. Raised primarily in Gore’s Landing on the south shore of Rice Lake, she is now a resident of Colborne.
The Deputy Warden has more than 40 years’ experience as a communications and marketing professional, including nearly a decade working with Ontario Hydro before shifting to an extensive career in journalism. Driven to make a difference in her community, she also has a history of active volunteerism, including roles with the Northumberland United Way, Northumberland Children’s Aid Society, Northumberland Big Sisters, Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation, the Royal Canadian Legion Colborne and Decisions for the Great Lakes (Kingston).
Martin happens to be only the second Deputy Mayor, as the role was introduced in 2020 a part of a host of changes to council governance (along with the new Standing Committee structure). The Deputy Warden ensures business continuity when the Warden is absent, and shares in the meeting and event responsibilities previously fulfilled exclusively by the Warden.
As with the role of Warden, the role of Deputy Warden is a one-year term fulfilled by one of the seven members of county council. The Deputy Warden is appointed based on a vote by council or, in the case of a single candidate for each position, an acclamation.
