Tecumseh's new council has been officially sworn in.
Six of seven members are returning to the table including Mayor Gary McNamara who has been at the town's helm since 2003.
Retired OPP staff sergeant Rick Tonial is the only new face winning the race for the vacant Ward 3 seat.
He says he's ready to start a new chapter.
"I just retired from policing for 30 years and it was time for another change in my life and I'm connected to Tecumseh. I feel it, it's part of my blood, it's part of my living. I just enjoy Tecumseh, the people of Tecumseh and so I threw my name in for councillor and I was successful. Now, 100% of my time I can dedicate to the community."
Tecumseh Council at its swearing in ceremony held on December 4, 2018 (Photo by AM800's Zander Broeckel)
Tonial spent 33 years in policing including 18 years at Tecumseh's OPP detachment and says his title has changed, but the goal remains the same.
"When I go to the town hall I walk over to the police station and say hi to the boys and the ladies there. So it's nice to still have that connection with them. It's all about service for me. Policing, and now as a councillor. So I look forward to it and it's all about the community and what I can do for them."
He says his approach to the job is very straight forward.
"Being logical in life. Policing is all about logic. You take what's the obvious and you lay a charge. Same kind of thing on council for me. It's going to be the logic behind it. What makes sense to the community? What makes sense for the majority of people? And to ensure that every citizen, no matter what their demographic is, they're provided with the proper services."
Councillor Rick Tonial and his wife Laurie at Tecumseh Council's swearing in ceremony held on December 4, 2018 (Photo by AM800's Zander Broeckel)
Tonial will be taking over the Ward 3 seat from the outgoing Rita Ossington who lost to incumbent Joe Bachetti in the deputy mayor's race.
Tecumseh council's first regular meeting takes place December 11.
New @TownofTecumseh Council being sworn in tonight. Rita Ossington is outgoing while Rick Tonial is new to the table...all other members are returning #cklw pic.twitter.com/j5Z927gLFw
— Zander Broeckel (@zbroeckel800) December 5, 2018