Morrison chairs her last council meeting

October 10, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
The current Caledon council held its final meeting before the upcoming municipal elections Tuesday, and it was also the last meeting for Mayor Marolyn Morrison.
Morrison announced earlier this year that she would not be seeking a fourth term as mayor.
Her political career started in 1988 when she was elected school trustee, then she successfully sought the Regional council seat for Ward 2 in 1994 and was elected mayor in 2003.
Councillor Patti Foley made the observation that it was Morrison’s last meeting just as council was getting to the end of what had been a rather light agenda Tuesday, as she praised the mayor for her “wonderful leadership.”
The council chambers erupted in a standing ovation.
Morrison was visibly moved and had some trouble responding.
“I would like to thank the staff very, very much for the 20 years at this council table,” she said. “It has been an absolute pleasure working with all of you.”
She also praised the staff for their honesty and integrity.
“You bring your professional approach to this council table, and your professional expertise,” she said, adding that’s what council wants. Morrison observed that councillors bring community views to the council table, not expert views. “We rely on you and we rely on your honesty and professionalism.”
Shortly after the meeting, there was a brief celebration outside the chambers as council, led by the mayor, expressed appreciation for the work of Town staff, which she said is done every year.
“It’s very important that we have a good relationship,” she told staff. “This is a small way of showing our appreciation.”
Morrison also thanked her council colleagues.
She reflected that she had always maintained she would stay on the job as long as she enjoyed it.
“I still enjoy about 90 per cent of it,” she said.