New Councillor takes her seat

City Solicitor Mike Burke looks on as Tanya Vrebosch-Merry reads the oath of office. Photo by Kate Adams.

Story by Michelle Baril

Wise beyond her years; twenty-seven year old Tanya Vrebosch-Merry was officially sworn in Monday night and is the youngest member sitting on council.

“The nerves are there. I’m sitting around a table with people who are experienced,” said Vrebosch after her ceremony.

Vrebosch said that there are a lot of issues that affect her directly.

“My life experiences will come into play,” Vrebosch said.

She added that she is in the process of paying back student loans, looking at buying a house, and learning about property tax.

“I don’t want to see taxes go up,” Vrebosch-Merry said with a smile.

She is doing her homework. She is learning as she goes and trying to gather every piece of information she can to do the best job possible.

“Right now I’m getting my feet wet and learning what I need to learn,” Vrebosch-Merry said.

With the empty seat filled, the veteran councillors have helped Vrebosch-Merry become accustomed to the council setting.

“They have been very supportive and when I have questions they are all there to answer me,” Vrebosch-Merry explained.

Tanya’s family was out Monday night and has supported her throughout her endeavours.

“They’re very proud. Grandpa was at home on VCR patrol, Grandma was here, and my brother and sister drove up all the way from Toronto. They’re very proud,” Vrebosch-Merry said.