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Sidney Council work is a team effort

Sidney inauguration preview: A mayor is only one voice among seven, says Steve Price.

A mayor is only one voice among seven, says Steve Price.

The Town of Sidney’s mayor-elect, Price said  Monday night’s (Dec. 1) inaugural meeting of the new council is a relaxed affair overall — but admitted he’s still writing his opening address.

It’s a new role of Price, who has served two terms on council and was acting mayor during Larry Cross’ absence for much of the final days leading up to the Nov. 15 civic election.

Price said he’s ready to take on the job — what is essentially a full-time mayor’s role in the community. To do that, he has the support of his family.

Yet, he added the mayor’s voice is only one among many. And while he might have his own priorities (Price during the election campaign lauded projects such as the proposed new fire hall, pedestrian overpass on the Pat Bay Highway and a new passenger ferry from Sidney to the Gulf Islands), he said council’s priorities are a group decision.

“It’s not what the mayor wants,” he said, “it is what all of council wants. We all have to work as a team.”

Council cohesion is one of Price’s main goals this early in the new term of office. While he and other council veterans like Tim Chad and Mervyn Lougher-Goodey can act as mentors and offer guidance, the newer councillors  have the drive, enthusiasm and initiative to be able to contribute right away.

“I’ve already met with each of the councillors and the main thing will be coming together as a team.

“Our main interests have to be what’s going to be good for the Town of Sidney.”

Price said he thinks this will be a cohesive council, one that carries on that practice from the previous group.

For his part, Price said he’ll be looking forward to representing Sidney at the Capital Regional District board.

Monday night’s inaugural meeting at 7 p.m. will feature RCMP officers in red serge, the Town Crier and a reception afterwards for people to get to know their council for the next four years.