Councillors Say Goodbye at Last Meeting

It was an emotional final Niagara Regional council yesterday for some, before the new 12 member council, plus chair, takes over.

Acting Chair Marvin Junkin said it takes courage to run for office, and go door to door.  "No doubt to be ridiculed by the warriors on the internet, that seems to be part of the job."

Councillor Haley Bateman struggled through emotion.  "It is an incredible thing to be voted in by your neighbours, to go and represent them, and do our thing, represent our platform.  I don't agree with all the things that were done, it's a little unsettling."

Councillor Joyce Morroco noted the toughest thing is the budget, as people struggle to live.  "Out there, we've heard that every day for the last several weeks knocking on doors.  But, I have to say it's been a true honour, and over the last 20-years of my political career, the best spot to sit.... now I'm going to cry."

Mayor/Councillor Wayne Redekop congratulated the winners of the recent election, but added his is not happy reducing the size of council.  "I don't think it appreciates the work load that these 12 individuals will be taking on, and I don't think it appreciates the fact that it reduces the access points for members of the public to elected representatives."

Our newsroom asked the region about the next chair position, who referred us to the Ontario government, and we didn't receive any response from them to multiple emails.