County warden says good-bye
by Richard Blanchard

Retiring Simcoe County warden Terry Geddes told county council last week that he hoped that he brought the human touch to his office during his term.

Geddes made his remarks at last week's county council meeting marking the end of his term.

"I tried to bring humour into things. Regardless of the issue, I tried not to take things personal," he said.

Geddes reminded county councillors that the decisions that county council makes should be considered in light of their future impact.

"Decisions are not for today but about their impact 10 or 25 years from now."

Geddes told council that he hoped that the county had met the challenge of county roads and the long term funding of hospital construction during the past three years.

"You put $3 million per year into the health of our people. You should be applauded for that," he said.

He also advised new county councillors who will begin their term this month to come in with an open attitude towards the county.

"Come in with an open mind, come in flexible, realize your municipality is one of 16 in this great municipality." He noted that the county council would be facing the difficulty of dealing with the Inter Governmental Action Plan.

"Remember that it is a consultant's report but also that its recommendations will not go away. As will the debate with waste management," he said.

Geddes that he had thoroughly enjoyed his time as warden. "It has been a wonderful time as the county's 144th warden."A new county warden will be elected next Tuesday.