Next warden.
Peter Emon first announced his intention to run for the position of warden at this Sept. 26 meeting of county council in Arnprior.
Steve Newman, Renfrew Mercury
Greater Madawaska Mayor Peter Emon will be the next warden of Renfrew County.
Chief administrative officer Jim Hutton has announced that the Calabogie resident will assume the position at the Dec. 11 inaugural session of county council.
Emon was the only member of county council nominated for warden prior to the 4 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, Nov. 13.
When notified that he was acclaimed to the office of warden, Mayor Emon, 52, said, “It will be a great honour for me to be seated in the warden's chair after the December meeting; one I will treat with respect and thoughtfulness.”
Emon also noted that there’s a “super staff” at the county upon which he says he’ll lean heavily for advice and information.
Emon also said he’ll actively consult current Warden Bob Sweet of Petawawa and past wardens Don Rathwell of Whitewater Region and Janice Visneskie of Killaloe-Hagarty-Richards.
“I wish,” said Emon, “for council and staff to continue in the tradition of our many wise predecessors, having established mutual respect for each other and individual opinions, continued respect for our guests at council and our staff, and for our taxpayers during our day-to-day interactions with them.”
The inaugural session will begin Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. At that time, Emon’s inaugural speech will outline his goals and vision for the one-year term of office.
Emon, like current Warden Sweet, has said that minimum stays of two years in the position would allow for more continuity of service.
However, there is a formal nomination process every year for the office of warden, during which any member of county council is eligible after being nominated by two fellow council members.
- With files from the County of Renfrew