The new mayor of Quispamsis has a simple commitment to the community.
“I want to engage sincerely with our community to lead with integrity and compassion,” Mary Schryer said after being sworn in. “And to live and to deliver on priorities that protect and enhance the quality of life that makes Quispamsis such a special place to call home.”
Schryer and the new council were sworn in on May 25 in a brief ceremony at Quispamsis Town Hall.
“New” may be a bit misleading, as seven of the eight elected officials were all part of the previous council.
Schryer, who served as deputy mayor during the previous term, was acclaimed as mayor.
Councillors Kerri Luck, Kirk Miller, Mike Biggar, Noah Donovan, Beth Thompson and Emil Olsen were all re-elected on May 11.
Doug MacDonald is the only new member of council.
Luck will serve as the new deputy mayor after receiving the most votes in the election.
Schryer congratulated all councillors on their election and praised their willingness to serve.
“Public service is not always easy, and it does take a lot of courage to step up in public and give your name and be tapped on at the grocery store or anywhere else,” she said.
“You’re always on call, you’re always working, so thank you for your commitment.”
Outgoing mayor Libby O’Hara reflected on 15 years serving the community.
“Tonight I stand before you with a full heart, deep gratitude, and more memories than I could possibly fit into eight minutes,” O’Hara said.
She said she got into municipal politics because of a belief in her community.
“I believed in the people of Quispamsis,” O’Hara said. “I believed that local government matters because it touches everyday life. Our people, our roads, our safety, our recreation, our neighbourhoods, and most importantly, our sense of belonging.”
O’Hara said she believed giving attention to the town would allow a council to shape what Quispamsis would become.
“But Quispamsis has shaped me,” she said. “Serving as your mayor has been one of the greatest honours of my life.”
The first regular meeting for the new council will be June 16 at 6 p.m.
