Sarnia's mayor has asked the new council to be committed, collaborative, cooperative and civil over the next four years.
The gallery in the city hall council chamber was full as Mike Bradley and councillors for the 2018-2022 term were sworn into office Monday morning.
Mayor Mike Bradley plans to embrace the Indigenous tradition of the "talking stick" this term.
In his inaugural address, Bradley encouraged those elected to engage with the public face-to-face.
"The former ombudsman used to say that Sarnia was the most open government in Ontario, I would say to you as we move forward, we need to get that reputation back," said Bradley. "Bring down the physical walls, bring down the mental walls that disconnect us with citizens."
He also told them he plans to embrace the Indigenous tradition of the "talking stick", which gives whoever is holding it total control of the discussion, this term.
"It brings great wisdom because you have to listen to people. That's one of the lessons I've learned. You need to listen, digest and then make a decision that's best for Sarnia. That's what this is all about, what's best for Sarnia," he said.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Chris Plain was the master of ceremonies for the inaugural meeting, which included a special performance of the national anthem, in Anishinaabe language, by students from Aamjiwnaang's Early Years Centre.
Mayor Bradley recognized outgoing councillors Mike Kelch, Andy Bruziewicz and Matt Mitro for their service, presenting each with a gift.
(L to R) Outgoing Sarnia City Councillors Andy Bruziewicz, Matt Mitro and Mike Kelch are recognized for their service.
Anne Marie Gillis, Bev MacDougall and Cindy Scholten were not in attendance.
Bradley asked that all of the newly elected councillors review the code of conduct for council and staff and review the rules of order so the city has a council that functions.
In council's first order of business, Dave Boushy, who led the polls for city/county councillor, was appointed acting mayor for the next year.
Councillors Brian White, Margaret Bird and Mike Stark will join Boushy as city representatives in Wyoming on Lambton County Council.
Bill Dennis, Terry Burrell, Nathan Colquhoun and George Vandenberg will serve on city council.
Sarnia council gets down to business December 17 with a regular meeting, followed by a 2019 budget input and grants session.
Budget deliberations, previously scheduled for next Tuesday, December 11, have been postponed until January.
Lambton County Council will be sworn in on December 12.
Packed house for the inaugural meeting of the 2018-2022 Sarnia City Council. #SLont pic.twitter.com/KvyQjz2ylh
— Melanie Irwin (@MIrwinCHOKNews) December 3, 2018
The new 2018-2022 Sarnia City Council is piped into council chambers. #SLont pic.twitter.com/XyOWED3Bgu
— Melanie Irwin (@MIrwinCHOKNews) December 3, 2018
Students of the Aamjiwnaang Early Years Centre perform the national anthem. #SLont pic.twitter.com/8HCOjWx60Z
— Melanie Irwin (@MIrwinCHOKNews) December 3, 2018
Mayor Mike Bradley presents gifts to parting members of council: Mike Kelch, Matt Mitro and Andy Bruziewicz. Councillors Anne Marie Gillis and Bev MacDougall are not in attendance. #SLont pic.twitter.com/nT1GQT4YNw
— Melanie Irwin (@MIrwinCHOKNews) December 3, 2018
The new Sarnia council takes the oath of office. #SLont pic.twitter.com/kAt5iXj1pj
— Melanie Irwin (@MIrwinCHOKNews) December 3, 2018
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley signs the oath of office. Today is Bradley’s 11th swearing in. He has held the mayor’s seat since 1988. #SLont pic.twitter.com/dBtvontsZR
— Melanie Irwin (@MIrwinCHOKNews) December 3, 2018
