Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - It was an emotional farewell, as members of Middlesex Centre council gathered for the final meeting of the current term following the recent municipal election.
Tributes flowed to outgoing mayor Aina DeViet who did not stand for re-election; ending a 16-year political career.
DeViet concluded the public session of the November 4th meeting with thanks to Middlesex Centre staff and members of council. “Serving this community as an elected representative and as mayor has been incredibly rewarding,” said DeViet.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have the privilege of working alongside you over the years and the privilege of calling you a friend,” said outgoing Ward 4 councillor Sue Cates of DeViet. Ward 5 councillor Frank Berze described DeViet as a “Good steady hand on the tiller.” “I have her phone number on speed dial. And I will be calling,” remarked outgoing deputy mayor, John Brennan.
Brennan won the mayor’s job after capturing 63% of the votes in the October election over candidate Sean Hunt. “I am honoured to have been elected mayor of Middlesex Centre. I’m excited about the opportunity and look forward to serving our community over the next four years. I appreciate the trust residents have placed in me,” says Brennan.
The new council will be a mix of new faces and political veterans. Ward 3’s Hugh Aerts fended off a challenge from Randy Campbell, while Wayne Shipley and Frank Berze were acclaimed to office. Cates was acclaimed as deputy mayor, which created a vacancy in Ward 4’s Komoka-Kilworth. Eric Graham won the seat with just under 60% of the votes. “I am very honoured, humbled and proud to be elected and I am looking forward to getting work on the issues that became very clear during the campaign,” says Graham.
Also new to council is Doug MacRae who will be representing Ward 1. He posted his thanks on social media on election night. “To everyone who welcomed me at their door, shared a concern, asked a question or offered encouragement - thank you. Those conversations have meant a great deal to me and will help inform the work ahead,” said MacRae.
MacRae won the ward with just under 43% of the vote. The ward had been held by Jean Coles, who was appointed to the seat after the resignation of Debbie Heffernan. “To the residents of Ilderton, Birr and Denfield, thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you. Thank you for your trust, your feedback, your questions, your encouragement and your challenges,” said Coles at the final council meeting.
The inaugural meeting of the new council will be held on Wednesday November 18th.
