Lawlor officially becomes new Deputy Mayor

File photo of Deputy Mayor Sean Lawlor and Mayor Al McDonald.

There's a new Deputy Mayor in town.

Sean Lawlor, who nearly took the position of Deputy Mayor at election time with a resounding result at the polls a little under 2 years ago, has been rewarded the top seat for council.

Following the resignation of councillor Peter Chirico, who will become the Managing Director of Community Services next month, Lawlor moves up the ladder, so to speak, filling the shoes of both Deputy Mayor and Budget Chief after his first campaign for municipal office.

“I'm really looking forward to it,” says Lawlor.

Lawlor knows that he undoubtedly faces some challenges with difficult economic times as well as recent local concerns, such as the ONTC and newly mandated municipal upgrades, such as the newly announced Cassellholme redevelopment project.

He spoke of his concern regarding the infrastructure budget and the challenges and compromises that the taxpayers and the city must bridge.

“Obviously the infrastructure deficit is a critical issue in terms of addressing the aging infrastructure, but we've got to be mindful of the ability of our taxpayer's to be able to handle the aggressiveness of the plan,” he says.

However Lawlor, already armed with a polished and skilled presence in the political field, feels confident that the new leanings will be well within his mastery while he takes on much of the city's financial and departmental affairs.

“I'm quite comfortable with the role that I'm assuming,” he says.

“I look closely with working with our CFO and the General Government Committee, to carry on the work with dealing primarily with the budget but other issues that fall under General Government as well.”

With many caring concerns, we here at baytoday.ca look forward to exploring the many complicated issues that our city will endure with the help of Deputy Mayor Lawlor's expert council.

Lawlor's former position as Chair of Community Services has yet to be officially filled.

The coveted spot could be reclaimed by former Chair Dave Mendicino, while some speculated that it could be soon be occupied by Public Works Chair Tanya Vrebosch.

Amidst the shuffle, councillors also took time to give accolade and thanks to Peter Chirico for all the work he has done through the years on boards, committees and of course, council.

“We are going to miss Deputy Mayor Chirico,” says Mayor Al McDonald.

McDonald says he's confident that council won't skip a beat in doing their duties but will be sad to see Chirico leave, taking with him 12 years of experience.
“However, we've got broad experience around the table and I'm very confident with council moving forward,” he says.

Sarah Campbell, the next highest vote count receiver, will now move into a position on council.

She will officially be sworn in on June 18th.