By Cecilia Nasmith
The chain of office for Northumberland County Warden has been handed over – in a pre-recorded COVID-safe manner that was played at the December county council meeting.
At the same meeting, outgoing Warden Bob Sanderson nominated Cramahe Township Councillor Mandy Martin as the next Deputy Warden. The nomination was uncontested, since – though Brighton Councillor Brian Ostrander nominated Cobourg Councillor John Henderson – Henderson respectfully declined due to the demands of COVID.
Martin will be sworn in at the Jan. 27 council meeting, but former Deputy Mayor Bob Crate began officiating as Warden following the pre-recorded swearing in.
Sanderson's final address reviewed a year that saw an effective response to a challenge no municipality had addressed before – implementing unprecedented public safety measures in a pandemic that, at the same time, kept staffers safe as well.
Overcoming this challenge was just one highlight of the year, and Sanderson listed others like the virtual opening of the new Trent Hills Emergency Services base, phase two of the Recycle Right program, 95 km. of road surface-treated, the groundbreaking for the new Golden Plough Lodge-Northumberland County Archives and Museum facility, the establishment of the new Ontario Health Team-Northumberland coalition – all carried out with councillors and staffers displaying a high degree of professionalism and a commitment to community engagement and hard work.
He was also pleased with the new governance structure that established the office of Deputy Warden and set up a slate of standing committees that each will be headed by a county councillor.
Warden Crate said he had been pleased to serve as the first Deputy Warden and praised its role as a resource to expand the capacity of the Warden.
He committed to support the safety and recovery of Northumberland residents as they address the impacts COVID-19 has wrought.
One key piece of the puzzle is improved broadband connectivity, and Crate said he would strike partnerships and pursue funding to this end. Another key piece is the collaboration being developed to create a tourism-destination strategy.
Meanwhile, he said, “let's all recommit to continue our pandemic protocols of social distancing, wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently and – above all – staying safe.”
Upon her nomination as Crate's successor, Martin said simply, “I would be honoured to accept.”
“Through the time I had as Warden, and previous to that, I have come to recognize the value that Councillor Martin has brought to the position of councillor and the active role she has had through the entire process,” Sanderson said.
“I have come to listen and respect the comments Councillor Martin has made and I can think of no better nomination.”
Martin said she was fortunate to have such an outstanding council to work with.
“Every one of us is more than able and capable. I think we bring together collectively a powerful, powerful representation of Northumberland – and frankly, of this province. I am so very proud of Northumberland,” she stated.
“I am doing this on behalf of all of us, and because I believe mightily in Northumberland.”
Council subsequently approved the standing committee chairs and member appointments.
Community Health – to be chaired by Councillor Gail Latchford, with Crate and Councillor Bill Cane as members.
Corporate Support – to be chaired by Martin, with Crate and Henderson as members.
Economic Development, Tourism and Planning – to be chaired by Sanderson, with Crane and Latchford as members.
Finance and Audit – to be chaired by Cane, with Crate and Ostrander as members.
Public Works – to be chaired by Ostrander, with Crate and Martin as members.
Social Services – to be chaired by Henderson, with Crate and Sanderson as members.
During the meeting, the new committees and their heads were finalized.
Each committee has its own schedule of meetings.
Meetings of the full council in 2021, following the Jan. 27 meeting, will take place Feb. 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, Aug. 25, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15.
Some of the new committees will begin meeting prior to the Jan. 27 council meeting. The meetings will be virtual, and links will be provided.
