McNamara honoured, MacDonald announces run

By Ron Giofu with files from Mark Ribble

The County of Essex honoured its warden for the 2018-22 term with the warden hoping to get another four years in the position.

The Warden’s Banquet was held Friday, November 4 at the Ciociaro Club where Gary McNamara was honoured for his service in the county’s top political job for the last four years. McNamara also announced his intentions to seek the position again with Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald also stepping up to announce her intentions for the job.

McNamara, who was recently acclaimed for another term as Tecumseh mayor, thanked his colleagues for allowing him to serve as warden the last four years. He called it an “honour and privilege” to serve in the role.

“Working with Essex County Council and staff has been inspiring and humbling. I could not have asked for a better team to guide and support me as we navigated a global pandemic and historic flooding challenges, and as we celebrated economic growth and new opportunities,” McNamara stated.

Calling the last four years “an incredible and unforgettable roller coaster ride,” McNamara said no one could have seen what was ahead when the term started in late 2018. He pointed out there were the “twin threats” that caused the County of Essex to declare a state of emergency due to rising water levels in the Great Lakes basin as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was an incredibly uncertain time and that declaration was a momentous step,” he said. “Our resolute and united response to those challenges protected our residents and our infrastructure and allowed us to emerge from the emergency stronger and more determined than ever. It showed us just how much we could overcome, just how much we could accomplish, when we worked together for the good of our residents.”

Regarding the water levels, McNamara stated the county worked with the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), local municipalities and emergency responders “to take immediate action during major storms.” He said municipalities and the county focused on planning improvements and infrastructure to help prevent flooding of populated areas.

McNamara called the county’s “unified and determined response” to COVID-19 “exemplary and historic,” noting the world changed almost overnight but the county worked to promote the health and safety of the community as well as the regional economy.

“Businesses and public places closed. Students moved online and tens of thousands of us worked from home, using new tools like Zoom and phrases like physical distancing. We wore masks. We stopped gathering together and travelling. The border closed. Long-term care homes were overwhelmed and our healthcare workers were pushed to the brink,” he said. “But quickly our region came together to fight the pandemic with support from our provincial and federal partners. We went from setting up field hospitals and deploying paramedics to assist with COVID testing to setting up mass immunization clinics and creating an isolation centre for farm workers.”

McNamara also credited Essex-Windsor EMS and the Sun Parlour Home for their “superhuman efforts” during the pandemic, whether it be through testing and immunization efforts to the care of seniors.

The county’s financial position is strong, he added, crediting the “pay-asyou go approach,” and McNamara thanked administration for their efforts. County services are also being enhanced as the population grows, he added.

“The county is poised for growth and prosperity because of the outstanding teamwork by our seven strong municipalities. I have been fortunate as warden to have had the backing of a dedicated and determined council. It has been a pleasure to work with all of the mayors and deputy mayors who served Essex County this term. I will miss those who are leaving council to take a break or move on. You have laid important groundwork for those who follow you and your hard work will not be forgotten,” he said.

MacDonald credited McNamara’s efforts, including his support and mentorship over the years, but believes it is time for new blood at the head of county council.

MacDonald said she has stood shoulder to shoulder with McNamara and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens on regional issues and has also worked on behalf of the county on provincial matters.

“Quite frankly, it’s time for change,” said Mac- Donald.

“The north end of the county has been in that chair for 12 years,” Mac- Donald added. “It’s time this end of the county has some representation.”

MacDonald also feels the time is right for female leadership on the county level.

“I feel like the voting public showed us they’re ready for women in leadership roles,” she said. “The timing is right.”

MacDonald, who sits on the board of directors of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, feels that she can represent the region well.

The members of county council will vote at the meeting on November 23.