New council takes oath of office

Mayor Brian Jackson is presented his gavel from his grand daughter Erica, daughter Dawn Berry-Schmidt and wife Patsy. The Stroud Banquet Hall was full of family, friends and well wishers on Wednesday night as the 2006-2010 council took their oath of office.

Robert Moisey piped the dignitaries in and Ralph Wilding, the Town Crier, got the ceremony underway.

Mayor Brian Jackson told those in attendance that he was honoured to take the office of Mayor.

"I am humbled by the residents support in the recent election," he said. He thanked his wife Patsy, who he said was out campaigning with him and who always accommodates the family schedule around his duties as Mayor for the Town of Innisfil.

Mayor Jackson said while speaking with residents during his campaign, he says people informed him they want a better understanding of their local government.

"Our planning is a road map for the future of our town."

He told the other members of council that he was honoured to be working with them, and he trusts they will be working with the best interests of the residents.

Deputy Mayor Gord Wauchope is all smiles with his grand daughter Kaylee and wife Brenda. photos by Michelle Minnoch Outgoing County Warden Terry Geddes said he loved being in the room "right off the bat because there is laughter in it." Geddes said he was impressed with the pride in the room, especially during the singing of 'Oh Canada'.

"We all share one thing in this community, and that is we are all part of Simcoe County," he said. He said Mayor Jackson has represented the town "outstandingly" at the County, and the town faces a challenging time.

"Simcoe County stands behind Innisfil in its right to stay Innisfil," he said to thunderous applause and a standing ovation.

Recently elected Mayor of Barrie, Dave Aspden followed Geddes by remarking "you can tell he's leaving politics". Aspden said he was there as a friend, and the City and Innisfil are going to have discussions, and they are going to have problems.

"Let's forget about the turf wars, let's forget about the imaginary boundaries," he said.

Mayor Jackson jokingly rebutted that Aspden should check he watch because "we close the boundary at 8:30

tonight", which was followed by another eruption of laughter.

Essa Mayor Dave Geurgis got on the ride, pointing at Aspden, stating "don't get him mad, we're on the other side." With Mayor Jackson, Deputy Mayor Wauchope and Councilor Wardlaw wearing their kilts, he said with the exception of Councilor Lynn Dollin, "maybe there's a little too much leg here, Brian".

Newly elected Mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury Doug White said he the relationship between BWG and Innisfil are perfect counterparts.

While many of the dignitaries in attendance were former police officers, CAO of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority gave greeting from the Authority and joked she knew the municipality was in good hands because "I've had at least two speeding tickets".

Mayor Jackson was presented with his gavel by his wife, daughter Dawn Berry- Schmidt, and her daughter Erica, 8 months. The Sandy Covettes Choir provided the entertainment for the event.