Members of Swift Current's newly elected City Council took their oaths of office during a swearing in ceremony at City Council Chambers on Monday night, launching the start of their four-year terms at the helm of the City.
Justice Tim Keene, himself a former Councillor for the City, presided at the brief swearing in ceremony at Monday's inaugural meeting. Denis Perrault, George Bowditch, Ryan Plewis, Mayor Jerrod Schafer, Pat Friesen, Gord Budd and Ron Toles all took their oaths of office in front of a packed council chamber audience. Swift Current's six councillors were elected to serve a four-year term, while Mayor Jerrod Schafer was acclaimed mayor to serve from now until October 2016.
The council table boasts a change of scenery, with the four incumbent members changed to new seats, while both new council members are sitting at the left of the mayor.
"Tonight, everybody has a new spot to sit in. We are in a fresh start with a brand new council," Schafer said on Monday night.
"My only request for this council that we have going forward is that we always maintain our eye on the big picture in moving our community forward. Our citizens want a council that has a vision for the future. They want a council who listen to them. They want a council who will be aggressive on their behalf. And they also want a council who will be very compassionate."
Schafer recognized the new council for putting their names forward to serve Swift Current.
"They're doing it because they believe in this community and they want to make Swift Current the best place that it can be," Schafer said. "We appreciate that vision of moving forward."
Schafer is entering his second term as Mayor and admits being given a mandate from the community is humbling.
"Until you've experienced it, I don't think anybody can describe what it's like to be given that vote of confidence by your peers and your colleagues, and your community, by electing you to a position like this and electing you to serve it. It's truly an overwhelming experience."
Councillor Gord Budd, who was participating in his fourth swearing in ceremony, was also excited about the upcoming term.
"We're taking an oath of office and we can be held to that oath. It's a serious affair but on the other hand it's kind of a beginning, it's the start now of our four year term, and we can get things underway. I'm really looking forward to the next four years," Budd said.
