Simcoe County will have a new deputy warden for 2021 and 2022.
Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin was elected to the deputy warden position during the County of Simcoe’s 174th Inaugural Ceremony, which took place Tuesday afternoon.
As incumbent Warden George Cornell ran unopposed, he was acclaimed to the position for two more years.
“I look forward to supporting Warden Cornell in what I will call a recovery from COVID-19. We’re all looking forward to that day when we can turn things back to normal,” Dollin told MidlandToday. “I’m feeling very positive in the way Simcoe County can go over the next two years. I think we’ll come out of the pandemic stronger.”
Recovery is the issue at top of mind for Dollin looking forward.
“I’m excited at the opportunities we have here for economic growth and development and attracting funds for other infrastructure,” she said.
Dollin ran against Clearview Deputy Mayor Barry Burton, who had held the position from 2019 to 2020. Burton was nominated by Penetanguishene Deputy Mayor Anita Dubeau and Ramara Mayor Basil Clarke. Dollin was nominated by Essa Township Mayor Sandie Macdonald and Oro-Medonte Township Mayor Harry Hughes.
The deputy warden position has only been in place for five terms, with three different councillors filling the positions during that time. Dollin will be the first woman elected to the position.
“It’s just a privilege to serve, especially being elected by your colleagues,” she said. “It’s humbling to be elected by those you’ve worked alongside for many years. They’ve seen the best and the worst of you. I’m grateful for their confidence in me.”
Looking back over the past two years, Cornell said there have been surprises and bumps on the road, but he’s proud of the work that’s been achieved at the county level. Over the past two years he said he and council have managed to weather a provincial regional governance review and the beginning of a pandemic.
“It challenged our staff, but I must say our staff have come through on all fronts in terms of their commitment, dedication and innovation in respect to these times,” said Cornell, who is also mayor of Tiny Township.
“The pandemic has changed everything and it took all of us supporting each other to get to where we are now. I’m very proud of what we’ve done as a county.”
New chairs and vice chairs for 2021/22 were also elected during the meeting. The performance management committee will be chaired by Springwater Mayor Don Allen. Vice chair for the committee will be Oro-Medonte Township Mayor Harry Hughes.
The human services committee will be chaired by Bradford Mayor Rob Keffer. Vice chair for the committee will be Springwater Deputy Mayor Jennifer Coughlin.
The corporate services committee will be chaired by New Tecumseth Deputy Mayor Richard Norcross. Vice chair for the committee will be Midland Deputy Mayor Mike Ross.
