Minto Mayor George Bridge is Wellington County’s new warden.
Bridge was elected by a vote of his fellow county councillors at the Warden’s Inaugural meeting on Dec. 12.
Bridge, who was 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 received 10 votes, Watters four and McKay two.
The new warden said he feels the current council is well-composed to handle the challenges of the upcoming 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 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 try to 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.
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,” he 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.
