Puslinch Township Mayor Dennis Lever was acclaimed warden of Wellington County at county council’s inaugural meeting on Dec. 9.
He was the only councillor to announce he was seeking the office for the 2017-18 term.
Lever was elected mayor of Puslinch in 2010 and again in 2014. He is past chair of the county’s administration, finance and human resources committee and has also served on the information, heritage and seniors committee.
“Warden Lever has an impressive political résume,” said outgoing warden George Bridge, mayor of Minto. “I look forward to working under Warden Lever’s direction. His effective leadership as administration, finance and human resources chair has prepared him for his new role as warden. The county will continue to be in very capable hands.”
Scott Wilson, the county’s Chief Administrative Officer, also praised Lever’s leadership.
“Dennis brings a lot of experience to the role of warden,” commented Wilson.
Lever is looking forward to his two-year term as Wellington County Warden.
“It’s a great honour to serve as county warden for 2017-2018,” Lever stated in a press release issued by the county following the inauguration. “I look forward to continuing the impressive work of county council and focusing on key issues that county residents are facing. I would like to thank my family, county council and staff for their support.”
After he was officially sworn in, Lever addressed the packed council chamber.
“We have a long history of excellence established by all the past wardens that are here today – all those whose pictures grace our walls – you have all left a legacy that everyone can be proud of,” said Lever.
Provincial issues
“We will continue our involvement in provincial issues. It is imperative that we are at the table to help guide the process,” stated Lever. “I’m looking forward to our ongoing focus on economic development and also reaping the rewards of our past and current efforts.
“We have, and will have, future challenges and we in this chamber will deal with them as others have in the past.”
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott said the induction of a new warden represents “an exciting time of transition for all of us.”
Arnott commended outgoing warden Bridge for the accomplishments during his term, calling him “an outstanding leader; steady thoughtful and dedicated.
“We’re all very proud of the great work that you’ve done and the reputation that you’ve achieved on behalf of the county,” said Arnott.
The MPP said he has worked with Lever on a number of issues and has been impressed with his leadership style.
“He’s a smart and persistent leader. He’s going to do a great job,” said Arnott.
Perth-Wellington MP John Nater congratulated Lever and said he was advised by a county councillor that, “The reason why you’re being acclaimed is this council as a whole thought you would do a good job and I think that’s certainly a great endorsement of your time on council.”
Committee makeup
While most of the committee chair positions were filled by acclamation, elections were held for three positions.
Erin Mayor Allan Alls was elected chair of the planning and land division committee over Ward 6 councillor Shawn Watters by a 10-6 margin. Watters, along with Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox and councillor Don McKay, were named to the planning committee.
Ward 3 councillor Gary Williamson, the incumbent roads committee chair, was elected in a contest with Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll in a 9-7 vote. Driscoll, Alls and councillor Doug Breen were all named to the committee.
Incumbent chair McKay, councillor for Ward 7, was re-elected to the chair of the solid waste services committee over Ward 2 councillor Gregg Davidson, also by a 9-7 count. The committee also includes Davidson and councillors David Anderson, Lynda White and Rob Black.
Bridge was acclaimed chair of the economic development committee.
Guelph-Eramosa Mayor Chris White was acclaimed chair of the administration, finance and human resources committee.
Black will continue as chair of the information, heritage and seniors committee, which also includes Breen, councillor Pierre Brianceau and Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton.
Anderson will once again chair the social services committee, which also includes councillors Black, Lynda White and Davidson.
Lynda White was acclaimed to continue as Wellington County’s police services board representative. The warden’s advisory committee will consist of councillors Chris White, Bridge, Black, Alls, Linda White, Williamson, Anderson and McKay.
As warden, Lever serves on all committees.
