Gerry Glover. (Photo by Municipality of Kincardine)
Gerry Glover has officially been sworn in as Mayor of Kincardine at a special meeting of council.
And in his inaugural speech, he had a wake-up call for council.
Glover, who replaces Anne Eadie who suddenly resigned April 9th, says it’s time for councillors to reflect on their at-times unbecoming decorum and he includes himself in that grouping.
He suggested on Monday, April 26th, there’s been “a general lack of communication with staff, the public and council, and at times, it seems as though policy decisions have been decided extraneous to council. This is contrary to an open and accountable government.”
The mayor gives councillors a heads-up that on May 3rd he will bring forward a Notice of Motion requesting “facilitated mediation” for council members.
Glover says they need to be more responsive to the diverse needs of the community and that brings forth Notice of Motion number two seeking a staff report for either an advisory council or standing committee on diversity, inclusion and equity.
Mayor Glover told councillors “At times it feels as though we are paddling our oars in different directions albeit, we are effectively trying to say the same thing.”
Glover’s Ward One councillor seat is now officially vacated but there’s been no discussion how to fill the vacancy.