Mission’s new mayor and councillors were sworn in Monday afternoon at the Best Western hotel before more than 200 spectators.
Ted Adlem donned the mayor’s robe and chains of office, before new councillors Tony Luck, Larry Nundal, Nelson Tilbury, Jeff Jewell and Dave Hensman took their oaths. Four-time incumbent councillor Jenny Stevens was sworn in for her fifth consecutive term.
“I’m new here,” Adlem laughed, as he began his inaugural address.
“Today is the beginning of a new chapter for Mission,” he said, promising to make good on his election promises of a core services review, attracting developers, and bringing a new seniors’ centre to Mission.
“I believe that developers looking to invest, and businesses looking to relocate, will migrate to our community,” he said, driving home the same message that swept the Citizens for Responsible Municipal Government slate into office.
Adlem also stressed development will come through tax base expansion.
“Effective today, the District of Mission is open for business.”
He touched on other issues, such as promising to limit closed council meetings, and to ensure the Sturgeons on the Fraser project — also known as the “McBarge” from Expo 86 — will be brought forward to a public meeting.
Assigning the portfolios, Luck will chair administration and finance; Hensman is chair of planning; Jewell is chair of engineering and public works; Stevens is chair of forestry; Tilbury is chair of parks, recreation and culture; and Nundal is chair of public safety and health.
Also on hand for the inauguration was Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes and Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton, incoming Abbotsford mayor Bruce Banman, and outgoing Mission mayor James Atebe. Atebe was given a community service pin by Adlem for his 12 years sitting on council, the past six as mayor.
Adlem also thanked the previous council for their stewardship and service over the past three years.
The event concluded with Jack Ethier singing a rousing birthday greeting for Stevens, celebrating her 75th birthday. Stevens was first elected to council in 1999.
The first council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at municipal hall.
Photos from the ceremony are available here.
