Clearview council members swear oaths of office
It was a proud day for Robert McArthur, who was sworn in Monday as Clearview Township council member for the Creemore area.
Tearing up, McArthur said he was proud to be following in the footsteps of his father Milton McArthur, who was the first deputy mayor of the township at the time of amalgamation in 1994.
“It is a privilege to be here tonight,” said McArthur. “I hope to do you all proud for the next four years.”
Bagpiper Ken Parton led the procession of council members into the arena hall in Stayner Dec. 5 before they took their oaths in front of an audience of family, friends and guests representing municipal partners and neighbouring municipalities.
Former Mayor Ken Ferguson addressed the newly elected members, calling them a “good looking council.”
He said as mayor he always wanted healthy debate, saying at the end of the day, council has to work as a team.
His advice is to focus on core services and protect farmland, commenting that he is very proud to see two farmers on council – McArthur and deputy mayor Paul Van Staveren.
“I know what council gives up as far as family life and family is the most important thing,” said Ferguson.
Van Staveren thanked Ferguson for his remarks.
“We have a good group and we want to have fun too,” he said. “We will bring the interests of people to the forefront. It’s going to be a challenge but that’s what life’s all about.”
Doug Measures was presented the chain of office by his wife Tracey and was presented with the mayor’s gavel by interim clerk Barbara Kane.
Measures noted his swearing in is happening at a time in life that has both highs and lows saying he is fighting cancer and was honoured to have his family present, with the exception of his daughter-in-law who was home with his new grandchild.
He said his three goals are to be accessible to the public, renew the township’s strategic plan, and stay engaged with the changes happening in the world.
“I’m really pleased with this team,” said Measures. “They are going to serve us well for the next four years.”
Thirty-one year council veteran Robert Walker said he is excited to be back.
“Council has paved the road for this council and it’s nice to be back on that road and move forward,” said Walker, saying that council is part of Team Clearview, along with staff and professionals.
“We need to believe in our staff and in ourselves,” said Walker. “We’re going to set this world on fire. To the rest of the communities, look out!”
John Broderick said he too is excited about the next term of council, and is very happy to see agriculture represented.
Phyllis Dineen, returning for a second term said she would miss the outgoing council members, many of whom were present for the ceremony.
“The honeymoon is over,” said Marty Beelen. “We are going to have to start doing some work.”
Trina Berlo photos: Clearview council: Mayor Doug Measures (front left), Deputy Mayor Paul Van Staveren (front right). Back row: Phyllis Dineen, Marty Beelen, Robert Walker, Robert McArthur, John Broderick. Below, left. The mayor is presented the chain office by his wife Tracey Measures. Belo, right: McArthur points to a 1994 photo of his father Milton McArthur, who was deputy mayor of Clearview at the time of amalgamation.
