Thirty-eight years, that's how much combined experience Essex County's new Warden and Deputy Warden bring to the table.
Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara is council's unanimous choice to take over for outgoing Warden Tom Bain — he was sworn in Wednesday night in Essex.
.@EssexCountyON Council elects @mayormcnamara new County Warden. pic.twitter.com/ukKLARogCe
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) December 13, 2018
McNamara has been involved at the county level since he was elected deputy mayor back in 1998. He's served five consecutive terms as Tecumseh's mayor beginning in 2003 and has twice served as Deputy Warden; this will be his first term leading council.
He tells AM800 News, with so many qualified leaders, it comes down to who can make the time to pull double, or even triple-duty.
"There are seven mayors leading their respective municipalities and seven deputy mayors as well. It's a matter of timing for many," says the retiree, who added some mayors maintain full-time jobs on top of their commitments to the community.
Having just finished a term as President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, he's ready to take on the responsibility and apply the experience at the county level.
"It's given me a little bit of opportunity to really connect with the upper levels of government," he says.
. @EssexCountyON Warden @mayormcnamara says a few words in his new chair at the head of Council. #cklw pic.twitter.com/CoyKqApUVa
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) December 13, 2018
McNamara looks forward to promoting the region and working with his peers to improve infrastructure and keep the province from downloading its deficit on the county.
"Send a message out to the rest of the province, the country, and for that matter, the world that Essex County a great place to do business and raise a family," says McNamara. "That's going to be my job as spokesperson for Essex County, to make sure that the message gets out there."
Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos threw his hat in the ring for the Warden seat, but it seemed as though council knew what direction they wanted to take, acclaiming Santos to the Deputy Warden chair.
.@NSantos007 is acclaimed as Deputy Warden of @EssexCountyON. #cklw pic.twitter.com/5w6G4rCFwO
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) December 13, 2018
He's served in both roles since joining county council in 2000 and says it will be a collaborative effort from two political veterans.
"A good one-two punch with me and Warden McNamara having experience and also helping bring the message to our new members of council," he says. "To assist them with any concerns or questions they have and support them with new ideas or opportunities across the county."
Santos says an upcoming evaluation will help focus council's efforts over the next four years.
"Development of a strategic plan, which will be the first for the County of Essex, to kind of lay out a game plan and a map overall to find what we can strengthen," says Santos.
The first regular meeting of council is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 19.