The recently elected Yorkton Council was officially sworn in last Tuesday , (Nov. 1).
For five members it was their first time sitting in Council chambers.
“It’s more exciting now that we’ve actually filled out the papers,” said Councillor Darcy Zaharia.
Coun. Aaron Kienle said taking the Oath of Office certainly brought being a member of Council into focus. While there was the immediate exhilaration of the vote results the night of the election, being in chambers made it real.
“I would have to say it was the oath,” agreed Coun. Nitch Hippsley.
Coun. Quinn Haider said seeing his name in Chambers brought it into focus personally.
“Coming in and seeing your name on the nameplate really brought it home,” he said.
Coun. Ken Chyz said he had been looking forward to the swearing in, adding that while he was sixth among vote getters, capturing a seat was not exactly a surprise.
“I was getting a lot of positive comments,” he said, adding that support had him feeling fairly confident when the votes were counted. “I had a good feeling.”
The swearing in was simply the icing on the cake of a good campaign.
Kienle said he looks forward to learning a lot about the inner workings of the City in the coming weeks, and then beginning the work of being a Councillor.
Zaharia noted that process will be aided by an orientation session for the new Councillors, and some planned tours of City facilities. He added the insights learned through the training and tours will help the newcomers better understand some of the requirements and boundaries of Council.
Kienle said he looks forward to starting the actual work of Council.
“I’m very optimistic,” he said, adding he believes the new Council will be able to work effectively together.
Haider said certainly the newcomers have some education ahead of them, at least he knows he does.
“For myself it’s wrapping my head around everything,” he said.
Chyz said he wants to take as much direction from the public as possible.
“I’m setting up an office,” he said.
Expecting it to be open Dec. 1, Chyz said he will maintain regular hours so that people with questions and concerns about anything to do with the workings of the City, or Council, can stop in and ask questions, or discuss issues.
While not going as far as to open an office, Hippsley said he is already receiving feedback from the community.
“People have pulled me aside with their concerns,” he said, adding that was something which started through the campaign. Those concerns have included the rain run-off flooding situation, street conditions, and the bidding process for City contracts.
As for the workings of Council Haider said he sees it as a team approach, one where he will look to work collaboratively with his fellow Councillors. He added the general concept of collaboration is one he favours, and will look to follow often.
And there are important things to consider almost immediately, including the 2017 budget.
“The important thing is not just how much we collect , (in taxes), but how we spent the money we are able to collect,” offered Haider, who said the budget will be one area new Councillors have to come up to speed on very quickly.
