Puslinch Township Mayor Dennis Lever was acclaimed warden of Wellington County at county council's inaugural meeting on Dec. 9.
Lever was the only councillor to announce his intention to seek the office for the 2017-18 term.
He was elected mayor of Puslinch in 2010 and again in 2014. He is the 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, is looking forward to lever’s leadership.
“Dennis brings a lot of experience to the role of warden,” commented Wilson.
Lever said 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. 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,” Lever stated in a press release issued by the county following the inauguration.
After he was officially sworn in, Lever addressed the packed council chambers.
“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.
“We will continue our involvement in provincial issues. It is imperative that we are at the table to help guide the process.
“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."
Perth-Wellington MP John Nater congratulated Lever and told him 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.”
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.
Ward 3 councillor Gary Williamson, the incumbent roads committee chair, was elected in a contest with Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll.
Incumbent chair Don McKay, councillor for Ward 7, was re-elected as chair of the solid waste services committee over Ward 2 councillor Gregg Davidson.
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.
Councillor Rob Black will continue as chair of the information, heritage and seniors committee.
Councillor David Anderson will once again chair the social services committee.
Councillor Lynda White was acclaimed to continue as Wellington County’s police services board representative.
The warden’s advisory committee will consist of Warden Lever and councillors Chris White, Bridge, Black, Alls, Linda White, Williamson, Anderson and McKay.
