With a largely returning council, Mayor Jim Harrison took the opportunity of his swearing in to encourage council to go even further than they have been in serving the community.

Harrison, along with eight members of the last council, were joined by three newcomers getting sworn in at City Hall Monday night. Newcomer Leslie Roseblade was absent.

In the relatively laid back event, Harrison, all members of council and even several staff members had a chance to address the gathering.

While most of the councillors thanked the voters and their supporters for the election night results, Harrison also took the opportunity to urge councillors to continue to build on the city’s unique strengths.

“Our strength is derived from our diversity,” he said. “We have an urban/rural mix of residences and business in a downtown core, we have businesses in a rural setting, agriculture performing above expectations, along with 8 Wing which continues demonstrates strength and ability in Canada and around the world. All drive our economy.

“This citizens of Quinte West have spoken. It is up to us to honour the trust they have bestowed upon us.”

He also urged councillors to go “above and beyond” what they expect of themselves in their service of the city, pointing out that often time the best leadership is listening.

“Learn to be a very good listener,” he said. “Every action does not require a reaction. True leadership is sitting back, clearly examining the situation with logic and often research before you answer.”

In terms of specifics Harrison noted the need to continue projects already underway regarding beautification, trails and roads, as well as continuing to pursue health care improvements and more doctors.

He also noted ongoing efforts to move ahead with plans to turn College Street School into low income housing for seniors.

For their part, the councillors said they were eager to work toward continuing to improve the city.

Terry Cassidy agreed with the mayor about the need to build partnerships, while Al deWitt suggested Quinte West is a leader, not just in the region but the province.

Sally Freeman noted the large number of women on council this year – four – and said she was proud to be part of that.

“Be ready for us to bring a whole different point of view to discussions,” she said.

Michael Kosovos thanked the voters and pledged to continue to make decisions professional and answer honestly, as taught by his parents, while Fred Kuypers urged staff to fix King Street while hoping council works well together to get things done.

Newcomer David O’Neil promised to continue trying to keep the momentum going forward, particularly on bringing dialysis to TMH while Linda Reid noted she had big shoes to fill following her husband Keith but with his mentoring she believed she could do it.

Karen Sharpe credited the many volunteers who help move the city forward, saying she knows with their continued help the city can continue to thrive while Don Kuntze noted the support he received across the city in the last election reminded him he doesn’t just support Sidney Ward.

Jim Alyea and David McCue, who were both acclaimed, thanked the people in Murray Ward for having the confidence to return them uncontested.

He said he felt it showed the voters had confidence in him and McCue while McCue said he felt a great degree of responsibility because of it.