WARDEN'S ADDRESS 2010

Members of Council – Past and Present – Distinguished Guests, County Staff, Family and Friends:

I would like to thank council for their support. 

It is an honour and a privilege to come before you as Warden for the year 2010.

I feel Elgin County does an excellent job on behalf of its taxpayers and I am proud to serve as a member of County Council.

I want to thank Warden Warwick for leading the charge for the past year.  His intelligence, wit and charm, combined with his outstanding leadership, guided us through some challenging times.

Some of these challenges continue but I know we are up to the task.

On a personal note, tonight represents a highlight for me since I made the decision 18 years ago to become involved in municipal politics.

Serving my community has been a very satisfying and learning experience. .

No one is able to be involved in community service without the support of their family.

I want to thank my husband Dave and my children for their support:  I am also the proud grandmother of *** and it makes me feel good to see my grandchildren playing in Wallacetown Park.

I am proud to be a part of a county that has demonstrated leadership in economic development and tourism initiatives.

Now, more importantly than ever, the need for growth in these two areas is vital.

‘Progressive by Nature’ IS what Elgin County is all about.

We are experiencing job losses – some 10 per cent of Ontarians are out of work.  But the other 90 per cent are working and spending and we need to attract them to Elgin County where we have so much to offer.

I also want to talk about the United Way.  The work the United Way agencies undertake is vital to our quality of life. And the support of United Way by Elgin County council and staff demonstrates that this is an organization with a big heart.

The International Plowing March in September 2010 here in Elgin is a ray of hope.  Millions of dollars will be generated from this prestigious event, providing a much needed boost to the economy.

As Warden, I will lobby other governments on important issues.  And I know all of you will support me in these initiatives.

I look forward to representing you as Warden.

Thank you for this privilege.

Warden Bonnie Vowel