Leamington fills vacant council seat with Heather Latam

By Mark Ribble

Heather Latam was sworn in as the newest member of Leamington Council on Thursday, June 30.

She fills the seat left void by the departure of Trevor Jones, who was recently elected as the area’s MPP in the June 2 provincial election.

The mother of five is excited to be onboard.

“I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to serve and get familiar with the role,” said Latam.

“This puts forth a good role model for my kids.”

Latam said she didn’t hesitate when she got the call about filling the seat.

“When I ran four years ago and lost by such a small margin, I knew there might be an opportunity,” she said, “So for me it was an easy decision.”

Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald, left, with new councillor Heather Latam.

SUN photo

Latam finished with 2,555 votes in the 2018 municipal election, good enough for seventh place. Five councillors were elected and Jones finished in sixth place with 2,582 votes, but was appointed to the vacant chair left by the sudden passing of Councillor John Jacobs in November 2020.

Heather Latam was sworn in by Leamington’s Director of Legal and Legislative Services, Ruth Orton, before having a short photo opportunity with Mayor Hilda MacDonald, who was happy to have her aboard.

“I’m very excited to have Heather on the team,” she said. “I think she’ll be a great addition.”

Latam will spend the next few months getting acquainted with council duties prior to the upcoming municipal election in November.