Some fresh faces around the council table in Essex.
A swearing-in ceremony was held Monday night ahead of the next term of council.
The new @EssexON council is making its way into chambers. They’ll be sworn in this evening. #cklw @AM800News pic.twitter.com/rsC9TSfGSX
— Rob Hindi (@rhindi800) December 3, 2018
Larry Snively is the new mayor, replacing Ron McDermott who did not seek re-election.
He says the first couple of months will be extremely busy for this council with 2019 budget deliberations along with making a decision on whether to allow retail marijuana shops within the municipalities.
"There's mixed feelings on that right now," says Snively. "I really haven't weighed that out completely yet but I don't know if I'm in favour of that or not yet. We all know it's going to come but are we going to have a retail shop here in town I don't know, I can't answer that right now."
Municipalities have until January 22nd to opt-in or opt-out of allowing cannabis stores.
Passing of the torch in @EssexON. Larry Snively has been sworn in as mayor. He replacing the retiring Ron McDermott. #cklw @AM800News pic.twitter.com/2yD46anFuD
— Rob Hindi (@rhindi800) December 3, 2018
Chris Vander Doelen is a new face around the table and the retired journalist says he's excited to help move the town forward.
"We got a lot of interesting projects coming our way," says Vander Doelen. "There's a bunch of interesting zoning and development decisions coming to Essex. Some possibilities, some new companies coming into town so we're excited and we got a new that appears very willing to work together, so that's a good sign."
The council also include deputy mayor Richard Meloche, newly-elected councillors Joe Garon, Morley Bowman, Kim Verbeek along with returning councillors Steve Bjorkman and Sherry Bondy.