Elliot Lake city council appointed a new mayor from among the council members last night at city hall.
Municipal clerk, Natalie Bray, conducted the nomination process and voting.
“So, at the January 15, 2024 council meeting, council resolved to fill the vacancy for the role of the mayor by appointing a current member of council. I will now open the floor for nominations for mayor," Bray said.
Councillor Norman Mann nominated Acting Mayor Wannan; the nomination was seconded by Councillor Charles Flintoff.
Bray asked Wannan, “Do you wish to have the nomination stand?” “Yes, I do,” Wannan replied.
There were no other nominations. Before the vote, Bray opened the discussion for comments from the councillors.
Couns. Mann: “I think it has been said on several occasions through this first year of our term, this was not really the council that this group had hoped they would be.”
“Acting Mayor Wannan, in the first year, and to this point as well, has led us with no hesitation whatsoever. And I in no way want to change that. I viewed him as our mayor for the last year and will for the balance of this term.”
“So, thank you for stepping up, your worship. It's been greatly appreciated and I look forward to working with you in your new, official role, for the balance of this term.”
Couns. Flintoff: “Basically, the same as what councillor Mann said. Councillor Wannan’s led our team for the last year, and we have had quite a few challenges throughout the year. And I can't think of a better person to continue to lead us for the rest of our term.”
“And I'd like to thank you for stepping up, your worship.”
Councillor Rick Bull: “I'd like to reiterate all the comments that my fellow councillors have made. Mr. Wannan has- Acting Mayor Wannan, I should say, has led us very well through the last year, and I'd be proud to support him.”
Councillor Merrill Seidel: “Same comment. Basically, early in our term, we were dealt with losing our head of council, and councillor Wannan stepped up to the plate. And it really feels like we have not missed a step. And I've seen his leadership capabilities and I'm proud to call him, your worship.”
Councillor Luc Morissette: “Over the last year I felt very comfortable as a counsellor, to have Mr. Wannan lead us. He listened to us. He gave his opinion. And to me, that is a true leader. And I'll be happy to call him Mr. Wannan, your worship.”
Clerk Bray called for the vote. It was unanimously in favour and the citizens present in the public gallery applauded.
Bray presented Mayor Wannan with the Chain of Office.
Mayor Wannan: “I'm not sure if I'm supposed to say anything at this moment. I would like to acknowledge anyone that puts their hand forward to sit in a position like this.”
“This year has been challenging. It's highly unusual, and we've all had our roles set, and I think we've accomplished a lot.”
“I find this position quite rewarding. Even if I was not the mayor, as a councillor, the relationships that we've established with city staff and as a council are very rewarding. And I find that the challenges that we face, whether they're easy challenges, difficult challenges, that's part of the draw of serving in this position.”
“As it was mentioned, the mayor, unfortunately, had to step down and taking up the reins as a team, I'm very proud of this group of counsellors, and I really look forward to serving for the next three years.”
“So, thank you very much.”