Blind River Mayor Sally Hagman took the oath of office as the town’s new top, elected official.
Mayor Hagman was sworn in along with the town’s new council; incumbent councillors Steven Wells, HP Roy, Jim Dunbar, Clifford Spratt and Paula Summers and newly-elected councillor Betty Ann Dunbar at the inaugural meeting Monday evening. Councillor Summers will also serve as deputy mayor for the four-year term.
In her first speech as mayor, Hagman recognized the meeting was on Mississauga First Nation land and thanked town staff for, “organizing this historical event.”
“It is difficult for me to put into words the feelings of humility, pride and most importantly excitement that I’m experiencing since the election results came out,” she said. “To my fellow councillors, congratulations for your hard work during the election campaign. I truly look forward to working with you over the next four years.”
“To the citizens of Blind River I am honoured that you have placed in me, and my fellow members of council your trust and confidence to address existing and new challenges that lie before us,” Mayor Hagman said. “There is so much pride in the town of Blind River.”
“I know as a council, we are feeling a great energy and total commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant community for future generations,” she said. ”The challenges that lie ahead are many; our collective abilities to address these challenges are strong; the opportunities that will be realized from our efforts are great. We will continue to grow a community in which we can make those opportunities come to fruition.”
Council will focus some of its work over the term on, “job creation (which) will remain an important objective by working with employers for a sustainable economy. Infrastructure projects will continue to be reviewed with council consensus. I am excited about the opportunity to lead through this approach to maximize prospects with anticipated development in our community.”
The new mayor also vowed to work to address the varied needs of residents in a spirit of financial prudence and accountability.
She also vowed that work done by council will be conducted in, “an open, positive and engaging manner.”