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New councillor outlines part of her wishlist

Jennifer Posteraro to be sworn-in on Monday
2019-09-11 Jennifer Posteraro KS

Blind River’s new council member outlined a broad range of ideas she hopes to undertake in her latest role as a councillor.

W.C Eaket Secondary School teacher Jennifer Posteraro was chosen as the new council member at a special meeting of council early Monday evening. The decision to have Posteraro take the seat left vacant by the recent death, in August, of Councillor Clifford Spratt was unanimous by council members with the exception of Coun. Jim Dunbar who abstained from the vote.

Posteraro, a newcomer to municipal politics, beat out four other candidates for the seat two of which had previous council experience.

The candidates gave 10-minute presentations in an open session of the meeting outlining their ideas if chosen and merits they would bring to the job.

In her presentation, Posteraro said she, as a teacher, has experience in working with young people and within the education sector.

“I think I’d be a valuable member of Blind River council because I bring a fresh perspective as well as a wealth of experience,” she told council and members of the public attending the meeting. “I’ve been involved in politics and leadership opportunities from a very young age.”

In her youth, she worked on the youth advisory council, a committee of Collingwood council, when she lived in that community before moving to Blind River with her young family after post-secondary graduation. “As a civics teacher at W.C. Eaket, I hear every day the desires and wishes of our youth and if elected as the new councillor I would like to spearhead that initiative here in Blind River.”

Posteraro emphasized an interest in resurrecting a youth advisory council in Blind River.

She has worked in different capacities while attending post-secondary studies with an interest in communications and political action roles. Posteraro is currently a member of the provincial committee for the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation and chairs the negotiating committee for her union local. The work involves liaising with various levels of government.

At W.C. Eaket she runs the food bank and clothing closet and is the teacher advisor for the student leadership team.

“I came here because I felt it is a great place to raise my family,” she of the young family’s move to Blind River along with her husband who is also a teacher at W.C. Eaket.

Posteraro said she has studied the town’s economic and strategic plans and found the information contained in the plans initiated by council to be, “well on point.”

The new councillor indicated her support for being financially frugal while still maintaining essential services residents already enjoy and attracting new people and businesses here.

“I think presently we have a great leadership team here on council,” she said in summing up her presentation. “I’m dedicated to working together to make this town even more beautiful than it already is. I think I’d make a great addition to your team.”

Her official swearing-in will take place at the regular council meeting on Monday, September 16.



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About the Author: Kris Svela

Kris Svela has worked in community newspapers for the past 36 years covering politics, human interest, courts, municipal councils, and the wide range of other topics of community interest
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