While the mayors elected (or re-elected) in 2018 were sworn in early in 2019, the March meeting of Northumberland County council took a few moments to swear in their alternates – the deputy mayor from each of the county's seven municipalities.
Warden John Logel extended a welcome to all seven.
“Each individual has been appointed by their respective councils to represent their mayor, should their mayor be unable to attend a county council meeting,” Logel said.
Logel's alternate, Alnwick-Haldimand Township Deputy Mayor Gail Latchford, took the first oath of office, followed by Municipality of Brighton Deputy Mayor Laura Vink, Town of Cobourg Deputy Mayor Suzanne Seguin, Township of Cramahe Deputy Mayor Sandra Arthur, Township of Hamilton Deputy Mayor Scott Jibb, Municipality of Port Hope Deputy Mayor Les Andrews and Municipality of Trent Hills Deputy Mayor Rosemary Kelleher-MacLennan.
Port Hope Mayor Bob Sanderson said these alternates will strengthen the involvement council has with the local community, as it ensures each community can always have representation at council – even when the mayor is unable to attend,
To that end, he suggested each mayor ensure his or her alternate is kept current with policies and procedures, issues and projects to provide the best representation possible.
“I have talked to my designate, and I don't expect him to just come and sit in the chair,” Sanderson stated.