By Cecilia Nasmith
Northumberland County's warden for 2021 will be Bob Crate of Trent Hills.
The nomination was made by 2020 warden Bob Sanderson at Wednesday's county-council meeting, Sanderson making the call for nominations and then immediately supplying the name of his deputy warden.
With no other nominations forthcoming, the need for both an election and for the services of Director of Finance Glenn Dees as scrutineer for the election were dispensed with, and Crate will be confirmed in his new position at the Dec. 16 council meeting.
On this occasion, a deputy warden will also be determined, and the heads of six standing committees announced.
This new procedure was adopted by council earlier in the year, and Crate's acclamation as warden was followed by a chance for councillors to let it be know what committees they felt might make best use of their expertise from a choice of Community Health, Corporate Support, Finance and Audit, Public Works, Social Services, and Economic Development, Tourism and Planning.
“It's a fairly significant change and a very positive one coming forward,” Sanderson said.
“Each councillor, with the exception of the incoming warden, will chair one standing committee. Each councillor will also serve as a member of two other standing committees.”
“I will kick it off,” Alnwick-Haldimand Township's Gail Latchford volunteered.
“My three preferences are Community Health, Social Services, and Economic Development, Tourism and Planning.
“The one I wouldn't be good on, for Glenn's information – and he already knows – is Finance. They wouldn't want me to chair that one, for sure.”
“I have also put my preference in for Economic Development, Tourism and Planning,” Sanderson revealed.
“I like the structure, and I am enthusiastic about that moving forward,” Brighton's Brian Ostrander commented.
“My two main interests are Public Works and Economic Development, Tourism and Planning, having sat on those more or less in the form of working groups. And while Finance is not my bailiwick, I would be pleased to sit on that as well, just because it's rather important.”
“I have really enjoyed the category that falls under Corporate Support and Social Services,” Cobourg's John Henderson said.
Bill Cane of Hamilton Township said his experience as a paramedic means a keen interest in Community Health.
“I am not sure I have any tremendous skills with Finance, but I am tight with a dollar if that helps.
“If no one else has an interest in Public Works, I am happy to go there,” Cane added.
“I like Finance and Audit,” Cramahe Township's Mandy Martin declared.
“I am no whiz, but I have learned a lot and I have nothing but admiration for Glenn, who is very capable at explaining things, and the staff as well.”
Sanderson again complimented staff on coming forward with this new committee structure, and expressed his opinion that enough had been said to give organizers the input they needed to set up the committees.
“It has been a very good council, and I think the residents of this county are very fortunate with the representation we have here, especially during a very tough year,” the Port Hope Mayor commented.
“I really enjoyed working with all members of county council on every committee I've been on, and also with the staff – they always come well-informed and are easy to work with,” Latchford added.
Before continuing to other business, Martin offered her own words of praise for the job Sanderson has done in 2020.
“I would like to say thanks to you,” she told Sanderson.
“This has been a particularly challenging year with changes and obligations and COVID – you name it. Thank you for your service. You have been a terrific leader and I salute you,” Martin stated.
“It has not been the easiest cruise, and you have done a wonderful job of mastering and leading this ship.”
Council also approved the meeting schedule for 2021, which calls for a monthly council meeting, as well as standing-committee meetings throughout the year.
In 2021, council will meet Jan. 27, Feb. 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, Aug. 25, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15.
