Wellington County’s new warden stressed communication and cooperation in his inaugural address to county council.
Minto Mayor George Bridge was elected by a vote of his fellow county councillors at the warden’s inaugural meeting on Dec. 12.
Bridge, nominated by outgoing warden Chris White, was selected over Ward 6 councillor Shawn Watters and Ward 7 councillor Don McKay in a secret ballot among the 16 councillors.
Watters was nominated by Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton and McKay was nominated by Ward 2 councillor Gregg Davidson.
Bridge, who will serve a two-year term, received 10 votes, while Watters received four and McKay two.
The new warden said he feels the current council is well-composed to handle the challenges of the coming term of office.
“We have an excellent group with a mixture of skill sets that will serve the residents of the county well,” said Bridge.
Recalling the words of his father Milton Bridge, who was warden in 1986, Bridge said, “To be a good leader you must surround yourself with good people.” He also suggested the senior Bridge “must have been talking about the staff of Wellington County.”
Bridge said he would strive to ensure strong communication between the county and member municipalities.
“Communication is the key. We must continue to communicate with the lower tiers,” he stated, citing current meetings between roads department heads, CAOs and treasurers in the county as an example of the type of cooperation that is needed.
Bridge also said the county should get its messages out via social media to ensure it is reaching all citizens.
Bridge has served on county council since his election as mayor of the Town of Minto in 2010. He is past chair of the Wellington County economic development committee and has also served on the administration, finance and personnel committee.
Prior to entering politics, Bridge also worked in the financial industry for TD Canada Trust for over 30 years.
“It’s a great honour to serve as Wellington County warden for 2015-2016,” stated Bridge in a press release issued by the county. “I hope we continue the great progress we have been making on the many issues that the residents of Wellington are facing. I would like to thank my family, the community, county council and staff for their support. I look forward to facing this new challenge with a competitive spirit.”
Past warden Chris White stated, “I look forward to working under Warden Bridge’s direction.
“His effective leadership on the economic development committee has prepared him for his role as warden. Wellington County is in very capable hands for 2015-2016.”
CAO Scott Wilson said he is looking forward to Bridge’s leadership.
“George brings a lot of experience to the role of warden. His hard work, dedication and commitment to serving county residents is commendable. County staff look forward to working with Warden Bridge,” Wilson stated.
Committee chairs were also selected at the meeting.
White was acclaimed to the chair of the economic development committee.
Councillor Dennis Lever, mayor of Puslinch, was acclaimed chair of the administration, finance and personnel committee.
Ward 5 councillor Rob Black was acclaimed chair of the information, heritage and seniors committee.
Councillor Andy Lennox, mayor of Wellington North, was acclaimed chair of the planning and land division committee.
Ward 3 councillor Gary Williamson was elected chair of the roads committee by a 10-6 margin over councillor Neil Driscoll, mayor of Mapleton.
Ward 1 councillor Dave Anderson will head the social services committee. A tie between Anderson and councillor Allan Alls, mayor of Erin, meant drawing a name from a hat.
McKay was elected to head the solid waste services committee by an 11-5 margin over Ward 9 councillor Pierre Brianceau.
Ward 4 councillor Lynda White was elected to serve as the county’s police services board representative, by an 11-5 margin over Davidson.
Paying tribute to the outgoing warden, Bridge called Chris White “a great leader” and acknowledged his key role in establishing the county’s economic development department.
“You have been a wonderful leader,” agreed councillor Lynda White, who presented the past warden with a framed map of the county.
“I learned something from you. I learned that I can get along with some of the upper levels of government.”
Chris White expressed pride in the accomplishments of the county councils of which he has been a part.
“I think everyone living and working in the county can be proud of where we are and where we’re going in the future,” he stated.
