Pelham Town Council sworn in

On Monday, December 3, 2018, amidst a full house at the Meridian Community Centre and others watching live at home, Pelham’s newly elected officials swore their oaths, signed their declarations, and took their seats at the Council table for the first time as the 2018-2022 Pelham Town Council.

The event began with a procession led by the 613 Royal Canadian Army Cadets, accompanied by Piper James Carnegie, followed by the E.L. Crossley Choral Ensemble performing the national anthem and the Invocation by The Venerable Dr. John Course.

After Mayor Marvin Junkin and each Councillor (Mike Ciolfi, Marianne Stewart, Ron Kore, John Wink, Lisa Haun, and Bob Hildebrandt) swore their oaths (see below), Mayor Junkin gave his inaugural address.

“I can assure all residents you have made wise choices for your Council,” said Junkin. “[They are] extremely motivated and intelligent citizens who are will to do whatever it takes to move our town ahead.”

In his speech, Junkin also spoke of building and strengthening relationships with Town staff.

“As I continue to think of the task ahead, I realize that to help our newly formed group, we would have experienced staff already working at Town Hall,” he said. “They are more than willing to give advice to us on established Town practices and to accept advice from us as to any new direction that we as a Council deem necessary for the Town to advance.”

Beyond Council and at the staff, Mayor Junkin acknowledged Pelham’s service groups and volunteers, the groups and individuals who “make mountains into manageable hills”.

“As I continued to think of possible resource that we as a new council could count on, it was only natural that my thoughts turned to the organized volunteer groups that do so much to enhance community life in our town,” said Junkin. “But there’s another group that’s willing to help, and they are what I call the unorganized volunteers.”

Working through an agenda more ceremonial in nature, Council voted on a resolution to confirm advisory committees and appointed Councillor Haun as the Deputy Mayor, an appointment that, moving forward, sees each Councillor serve in the role for an eight-month installment.

The next meeting of Council will be December 17, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. For updates to the agenda, please subscribe to our Council Calendar.

If you missed the inaugural meeting, you can catch by viewing it here.

DECLARATION OF OFFICE

Section 232 of the Municipal Act, 2001

I, _______ having been elected to the office of _________ for the municipality of the Town of Pelham, do solemnly promise and declare that:

1. I will truly, faithfully and impartially exercise this office to the best of my knowledge and ability.

2. I have not received and will not receive any payment or reward, or promise thereof, for the exercise of this office in a biased, corrupt or in any other improper manner.

3. I will disclose any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in accordance with the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

4.  I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.

And I make this solemn promise and declaration conscientiously believing it to be true and knowing that it is of the same force and effect as if made under oath.