The newest councillor in the town of Essex is getting right to work.
Ron Rogers was sworn in during a special council meeting Monday night as the new Ward 3 councillor. Rogers takes office after winning last week's by-election, which was called following the resignation of Bill Caixiero.
Caixiero resigned in July for personal reasons.
Rogers is not a newcomer to town politics. He had served on the council for Colchester South until it was amalgamated into the town of Essex. After that he joined Essex town council. He had also twice been a candidate for mayor.
He says he's grateful for the opportunity to be back on council serving the people of Ward 3.
"It feels great to be back," says Rogers. "I'm looking forward to the interaction with the other councillors, and with the mayor and deputy mayor."
Rogers, a bus driver, says the day began typically for him as he went to work, then headed to town hall to get up to speed on his new position.
"I met with a couple of staff already today and discussed a couple of issues that had been brought to my attention," says Rogers. "Things are off to a good start."
After signing his declaration and being sworn-in by town clerk Robert Auger, Rogers dove into town business. His first meeting happened to be the first regarding the town's budget for 2018 and beyond. While he is jumping in with both feet concerning the budget, Rogers says there are a few things he would like to see done while on council.
"We certainly have a couple of roads that need attention. Drainage is certainly an issue," says Rogers. "But also along with that, comes the need to promote our town."
Rogers will fill out Caixiero's term, which ends with next year's municipal election.
