Springwater’s Guergis new Warden

Simcoe County Council held its Inaugural Meeting, swearing in a new County Council and a new Warden.

Springwater Township Mayor Tony Guergis was acclaimed and sworn in as Simcoe County Warden for 2007 and the 145th Warden of the County by Justice of the Peace Malcolm Rogers.

Council Chambers were filled with guests and dignitaries from the Province, local municipalities, hospitals, friends, family and wellwishers.

Upon swearing in Guergis, Council recognized the many guests which included past wardens. Council also held elections for Committee Chairs.

Councillor Anita Dubeau will chair Performance Management while Councillor Doug Little will chair Corporate Services and Councillor James Downer will chair Human Services.

Heart-hearting tributes were paid to out-going Warden Terry Geddes. Geddes delivered remarks to Council and offered advice to the new Council forewarning of the challenges that lay ahead concerning growth.

"What an incredible day!" declared Guergis. "It's truly an honour and a privilege to hold the Office of Warden and to lead this dynamic new Council. Simcoe County is entering a new stage in its life as we grapple with the issues of serious growth and I am humbled to be entrusted by my colleagues to lead this first year of what promises to be an exciting and fruitful term for what is certainly one of the best places one could ever live."

Guergis is the cousin to MP Helena Guergis, and brother of Essa Mayor Dave Guergis.

The County of Simcoe is composed of 16 member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia.