Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
It was an evening of “lasts” for Cobourg council Monday, with three members retiring, the deputy mayor acclaimed as mayor, and the remaining councillors running for another time.
And no further council meetings until the election.
Mayor Gil Brocanier said it would be his pleasure to sign one final proclamation – the one approved after a presentation from Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society to declare October as Child Abuse Prevention Month and November as Adoption Awareness Month.
Brocanier’s retirement comes after 21 years of service on council, which he said he is leaving with no regrets.
No matter where he is, the mayor said, he is approached by people who want to tell him how much they love the town. This, he said, is the silent majority. And of course, there is a vocal minority. His advice to the next municipal council is to ignore them.
“There are chronic malcontents who will never find anything positive to say,” he said.
“If you are so discontented, why don’t you just move.”
Brocanier also offered his assessment that the Cobourg Taxpayers Association has little to offer in terms of substantive, constructive ideas.
“Maybe that is why, when I talk to people around town, I can’t find anyone who feels the CTA represents them.”
Brocanier called his time on council a wonderful ride.
“I so appreciate that the citizens of Cobourg have given me such great support in allowing me to support them,” he said.
Hoping for re-election, Councillor Brian Darling said he was proud of the work of the last term and the collegial nature of the group, even when they didn’t always agree.
Councillor Aaron Burchat is also running – but for his first election. Burchat was brought in to replace Councillor Theresa Rickerby, who resigned during the second year of her term.
“I would like to thank the rest of council for giving me this opportunity to share this experience,” he said.
Councillor Suzanne Seguin is also hoping for her first election, having been brought in somewhat later to replace Councillor Larry Sherwin when he moved out of town. With past service as mayor of Prescott, Seguin is running to replace John Henderson as deputy mayor.
“We haven’t always agreed, but we have always been respectful, and I think that’s the key to making Cobourg a better place,” she said.
“It makes us all better if we ask the hard questions and listen to the answers.
“Hopefully I will be here again but, if not, I thank you for the experience and I thank you for the privilege of serving my new home town, Cobourg.”
Retiring Councillor Debra McCarthy thanked her fellow councillors, town staff and the many town volunteers who helped her in her work on behalf of her constituents.
With Brocanier’s 21 years and his own 25, not to mention McCarthy’s four, retiring Councillor Forrest Rowden estimated that’s more than a half-century of experience represented.
“I hear nothing but good news about things we have accomplished over the last few years,” Rowden said.
“You have been one of the greatest mayors I have actually worked with, and I have worked with a few,” he said to Brocanier.
Though he is acclaimed as Cobourgn’s next mayor and not, as such, running for re-election, Henderson urges all qualified electors to cast a ballot.
“If you want people to represent you, you have to vote = it’s that simple,” Henderson stated.
The first meeting of the newly elected council will be Dec. 3 at Victoria Hall at 7 p.m., he added.
“I can only say I have thoroughly enjoyed this council,” Henderson said.
“I look forward to the leadership of being mayor-elect, I admit to having a lot to learn, and I have big shoes to fill.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
