Adam Bramburger
Beaver Staff
Bill Lowry is seeking another year at the head of Lennox and Addington County council — and if he has his way, each successive warden will fill the seat for two years.
At last Wednesday’s regular council meeting, the Loyalist Township mayor had a chance to give a valedictory address prior to next month’s vote to determine which councillor will be at the helm in 2018. He kept his remarks brief, but indicated he’d welcome a third term. The retired long-term Ontario Hydro staffer also held the post in 2012.
“I want to announce tonight I will be throwing my hat in the ring to do another term,” Lowry said, adding he’s enjoyed the position immensely.
Lowry indicated one of the most rewarding parts of the job is working with the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, a representative body that lobbies for the municipalities stretching from Peterborough to the Quebec border.
“It truly is a great experience and it’s great to have an opportunity to network with a lot of other staff and wardens and mayors. I’ve come to enjoy that a lot. We’ve all got common interests,” he said.
For that reason alone, Lowry encouraged his peers around the horseshoe to consider serving as warden for a year themselves.
That said, Lowry indicated he believes there is benefit to the municipality in establishing a two-year term for the warden to allow for increased continuity at that regional table. He referenced a past bid to extend the term which failed in a tie vote and suggested it may be time to reconsider.
“I know we discussed that before…but you really do need to take that into consideration for the advantages of the continuity you take from one year to the next.
The vote will be held Dec. 13 at the County’s inaugural meeting.