If you were expecting fireworks at the District of Port Hardy’s last council meeting before the new mayor and council are sworn in, prepare to be disappointed.
Hank Bood was fairly subdued during his last meeting as mayor of Port Hardy, speaking quickly and moving through the tabled items on the agenda at a brisk pace.
During verbal reports, a few councillors who were re-elected spoke their feelings about working with Bood and Coun. Rick Marcotte, who both were saying farewell after not being re-elected.
Coun. Fred Robertson spoke first, stating, “I would like to acknowledge and thank Rick for all the work he has done as a councillor, and Hank, thank you for your work as mayor during the last four years.”
Mayor-elect Dennis Dugas chimed in next, noting he would like to thank “Rick and Hank for all the work they’ve done for the municipality — their dedication has been well known.”
Marcotte said his goodbye after that. “I’d just like to thank everybody here for all their help, because it was a really good time working with you folks — I’m going to miss being at this table.”
Coun. Pat Corbett-Labatt then added her thoughts on the subject. “I’d like to thank Rick — working with you these last four years was an honour and a pleasure … Hank, I think we worked really well and we accomplished a lot.”
“Thank you all for all the work you’ve done these last four years,” said Bood. “I think we’ve accomplished a lot, and more than that, we’ve got a lot in the oven now that you, for the next four years, are going to have to complete. It’s a big job, and I think this council worked very well together with staff collaboratively, and I’m hoping for all the best for you for the next four years.”
After finishing all the items listed on the agenda, Bood called the meeting to an end before any residents or media were able to speak, and then made his final walk out of the council chamber with his head held high.
The District of Port Hardy’s mayor and council will be sworn in officially at the municipal office Nov. 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Their first council meeting will be Nov. 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Port Hardy residents elected Dugas as mayor with 70.3 per cent of the vote.
Corbett-Labatt, Janet Dorward, Robertson, John Tidbury, Treena Smith, and Leightan Wishart were elected as councillors.