His new responsibilities are weighing heavily on Akbal Mund.
Mund, who topped the polls in a five-way race Nov. 15, was sworn in as Vernon’s mayor Monday.
“About an hour before, there were a lot of jitters,” said Mund of his preparations for the inaugural council meeting.
“The seven of us are responsible for everyone in this community and not just this community, but our neighbours too.”
Also sworn in to office were incumbent councillors Juliette Cunningham, Catherine Lord, Brian Quiring and Bob Spiers, and new councillors Scott Anderson and Dalvir Nahal.
“I have a lot of respect for them. They want to be involved and they care,” said Mund.
During his inaugural address to a capacity crowd at city hall, the former Wendy’s owner emphasized the need for team work.
“This council will work together over the next four years for the betterment of the City of Vernon,” he said.
“All of us take on this position to serve because we do care. We look forward to listening and solving the issues as we can.”
During the ceremony, gifts were presented to retiring mayor Rob Sawatzky and Mary-Jo O’Keefe, a two-term councillor who ran for mayor.
There was also acknowledgment of Patrick Nicol, a long-time councillor who died in January.
Council will gather Tuesday to start making plans for the four-year term, and among the priority issues is the 2015 budget.
“We’ll look at it and see what we can do,” Mund told the media.
“I am glad Mr. Sawatzky put in a plan to deal with infrastructure.”
Vernon council’s first regular meeting is Dec. 8.
