Municipal Government Post-Election Update
Thank you to everyone who encouraged and supported me during the election. In the three weeks since voting day I better understand what being elected in Lions Bay is all about. I take the mandate seriously.
Our Villageʼs spirit is as big as our view of Howe Sound, and it is always there. Through active volunteerism our citizensʼ desire to make Lions Bay a better place to live never ceases to amaze me. I look forward to interacting with more villagers as I become involved as portfolio lead or liaison with the Tree, Trails, Historical Society, and Public Art groups. Mary and I recently attended the concurrently held Historical Societyʼs second book launch and Santaʼs Breakfast. The Societyʼs work is of tremendous interest to all and should be supported. The books are excellent and should be a staple of every living room coffee table. Santaʼs Breakfast – Letʼs say itʼs been a long time since Mary and I were in a room with so many people under 3 feet tall. Itʼs also been 20 years since I wrote a check to PAC. Okay, tiny Villagers need to be supported as well!
Prior to the election I had very little interaction with the people who are responsible for the Village on a day to day basis. My first impressions are very favorable of our works department, office staff, and fire department. All personnel are dedicated and committed to providing us with the best service possible. I see the Mayor and Councilʼs job as being supportive to all and an opportunity to use our diverse background skills to assist the Village employees in performing their duties to the maximum. This will be done without getting in their way, but holding them accountable for the timely, efficient, and successful execution of their duties. My primary focus will be on Best Practices, Budget/Finance (with the Mayor), a Preferred Vendors list, and ingraining a Tendering and Procurement process to maximize the Villageʼs return on investment. The 2012 Budget will be my first in depth review of the Villageʼs finances. I am hopeful that the Community Center grant will be successful. In the Spring edition of the Lions Bay Community News I will provide an article with the high level details of the Budget.
I greatly respect the Mayor and other Councillors. How lucky for me to regularly interact with such a committed and interesting group.
In addition to Village activities 2012 promises to be eventful for our family as well. Tom will be traveling from Toronto to be here for Christmas. In April, Mary and I are expecting the birth of our first grand-child (from Richard/Vanessa) who will be born in Hong Kong. Early arrangements are that the three of them will be staying with us in the Summer.
Nick has been in Sydney, Australia since April. He will be coming home for a few weeks for a school reunion and his birthday in May. I will be celebrating my 60th birthday in October during our annual vacation in Hawaii.
Notwithstanding our many winter and summer activities at home Hawaii is a special place for us.
Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year to all from the McLaughlins.
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Latest Events
- Radio Controlled Car Club
May 22, 2012 (18:30)Please join this enthusiastic group of young and old at the Village Hall as they RACE with radio-controlled cars! No speed limit required.
