Vernon's
new mayor says he's looking forward to leading the city through what he
feels will be interesting and rewarding times ahead. Rob Sawatzky made the comments in his first mayor's report after he
and the six councillors were inaugurated by provincial court judge Mark
Takahashi before a capacity crowd of friends and relatives at City Hall. The retired doctor told the media, he thinks the next three years are going to be great. "We have a real experienced council, and a mixed council, and the
last council did their best efforts. It's exciting. I think that's the
major feeling that a person has." The 59 year old says improving relations with their regional partners will be ongoing, and part of his job. "The only way you can do good work with your neighbors is to
communicate, communicate, and communicate, try and work out your
problems with the common good in mind. That requires ongoing
communication. There's no magic, it's just work." Sawatzky has never held political office, but is familiar with how the system works. "It will come fairly quickly, and if I'm not comfortable, they'll
straighten me out fairly quickly. We have good city staff and good
councilors so I won't be going astray anywhere." The new council which includes newcomers Catherine Lord, Brian
Quiring, former councillor Juliette Cunningham, along with incumbents
Bob Spiers, Mary Jo O'Keefe and Patrick Nicol, will hold their first
regular council meeting on Monday. Click HERE for more details on the council appointments. The new mayor also used the event to thank outgoing mayor Wayne
Lippert, saying he handled the transition period with grace and dignity,
and also acknowledged the service of councillors Jack Gilroy, Buffy
Baumbrough and Shawn Lee.---------
All of the pomp and circumstance couldn’t detract from the workload awaiting Vernon’s new council. Retired physician Rob Sawatzky was sworn in as mayor during the inaugural council meeting Monday. “There is the feeling that things can be quite daunting but it will be great,” he said of his new duties, which immediately includes developing the 2012 budget and hiring a new administrative officer. Wayne Lippert, who was not re-elected to a third term Nov. 19, was on hand to present Sawatzky with the chain of office. “Wear it with pride and honour and remember that you represent all citizens of Vernon,” said Lippert. Also swearing their oath of office Monday were councillors Juliette Cunningham, Catherine Lord, Patrick Nicol, Mary-Jo O’Keefe, Brian Quiring and Bob Spiers. They received some advice from Buffy Baumbrough, who was on council for six years and decided not to seek re-election. “The electorate has tasked you with making decisions on behalf of the community,” she said. “It will not be an easy or simple task.” Baumbrough and Lippert, as well as Jack Gilroy and Shawn Lee, who lost their council seats Nov. 19, were honoured for their service to the community.
As part of Monday’s meeting, appointments were made to city committees and outside agencies such as the Regional District of North Okanagan.
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