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Ceremony marks start of Tantramar’s second term
Approximately 100 people filled the chamber at Tantramar’s town hall last night to swear in Debbie Wiggins-Colwell as the municipality’s new mayor.
She will lead Tantramar’s second council since amalgamation, alongside eight councillors.
Residents, family members, municipal staff and members of the outgoing council were also in attendance.
Tantramar’s Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Borne opened the ceremony from the podium, saying:
“As the bridge between council and staff, I want to assure you that I’m here to support you in this journey. As the CAO, my role is to oversee all day-to-day operations of the municipality, to provide professional and strategic advice to council for informed decision making, implement council decisions, and ensure that municipal services are delivered effectively and responsibly.”
Borne took time to thank her team for their work preparing the ceremony. Chris Hill was introduced as Tantramar’s new assistant clerk, as she joked it was his second day on the job.
Borne also recognized members of Tantramar’s first municipal council, including recognition for those councillors who served municipally before amalgamation.
“We’d like to take this moment to recognize all members of the outgoing council. These individuals were elected to the first municipal council of Tantramar, and have worked diligently and effectively to make Tantramar what it is today.”
New council sworn in and mayors first remarks
Assistant Clerk Becky Goodwin then called the new mayor and councillors forward for their oaths.
The new council includes Mayor Debbie Wiggins-Colwell. The councillors are:
Alyssa Greene in Ward 1;
Barry Hicks in Ward 2;
Allison Butcher, Josh Goguen, Haidee Robertson and Tori Weldon in Ward 3;
Kristen LeBlanc in Ward 4;
and Wayne Wells in Ward 5.
After the oaths, Wiggins-Colwell gave her first remarks as mayor. She thanked residents, family and friends for their support. Sharing that she was is familiar with the role after serving as mayor of Dorchester and then deputy mayor of Tantramar, Wiggins-Colwell announced,
“I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and get started on the work ahead as mayor of Tantramar. I’m not a fancy talker, but I am a good listener, and I know right from wrong, and I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not.”
Mayor says dialogue must stay open
Wiggins-Colwell said she wants the new council to focus on respectful dialogue between elected officials, staff and residents.
“As mayor, the primary community representative, I will focus on respectful dialogue, shared goals, collaboration between council, staff and residents.”
She issued a mandate for how she expects council to operate.
“We will disagree sometimes, but dialogue must be healthy and the issues handled constructively and in the open,” said Wiggins-Colwell.
Wiggins-Colwell also pointed to safety, essential services, transparency and tax spending as priorities for the new term.
“Our priorities should be guided by impact and need and not convenience. Attention will be dedicated to transparency, essential services, and ensuring our tax dollars are spent wisely. The Tantramar council is your voice, and we’re here to serve you.”
The new council will now move from ceremony to regular municipal business.
About the reporter
Clinton Davis is a PT journalist/producer with CHMA News covering Tantramar (including Sackville, Dorchester, Port Elgin, Midgic and surrounding communities). He reports on municipal government, public safety, community events, local business, regional issues and ideas across Tantramar.
