NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF RAMARA
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On Thursday night, during the Inaugural meeting, the new members of Ramara Township council were sworn in for the 2022-2026 term.
The new members of the council entered the ceremony following the bagpiper, Pat Reid of Orillia: Mayor Basil Clarke, Deputy Mayor Keith Bell, and Councillors: David Snutch, Jennifer Fisher, Dana Tuju, and Sherri Bell.
Following the bagpipes, Mayor Clarke's daughter and partner, Madeline Clarke and Tommy Brandon, welcomed Council into the ceremony by singing God Save the King, followed by opening remarks by CAO Zach Drinkwalter.
Following the swearing-in ceremony by Clerk Jennifer Connor, former Councillor John Appleby provided words of encouragement and congratulation before Mayor Clarke, Deputy Mayor Bell and other councillors addressed the community.
Mayor Clarke opened the address and thanked his family for their continued support — his wife Carey of 33 years, his children, their partners and his grandchildren Jemma and Karina. Mayor Clarke thanked his extended family, friends and supporters who helped to support him on his campaign and his times on council. Mayor Clarke also acknowledged his mentor, the late Dr. Tom Gary, for his guidance and inspiration.
"Over the years, I have learned that Ramara is a beautiful township to work, live and play, but I have a big interest in making this a better place by continuing the projects we put into motion and creating new projects that will bring the township forward," stated Mayor Clarke.
"I know we will be a great team who will be successful in creating and achieving a positive direction for the community, and I will be here for each and every councillor to help achieve this success. Lastly, staff are the best resource to help those on council achieve what you set out to achieve. They are energetic, loyal, and the best staff in the County of Simcoe."
Deputy Mayor Bell thanked his family, including his wife, daughter, son and mother, for supporting him through good and bad times and recognizing that taking on this role would mean dedicating much more of his time to his community. He thanked the community, who gave him a lot of support and an opportunity to speak while navigating the campaign.
"I am confident that we will bring the township forward in the next four years and the four years after that," stated Deputy Mayor Bell. "I bring many skills and aspirations and look forward to getting to know everyone better on council and working through issues with collaboration and compromise."
Comments from Councillors
"I love Ramara and am happy to serve the community again," stated Councillor Snutch. "Working with the residents is a joyful experience, and I am thankful to have the opportunity. I look forward to working with fellow members of Council and staff to come together and find solutions that work well for the township and the people who enjoy living here."
Councillor Snutch also acknowledged his family, including his father, Neal, who was a Ramara councillor for 12 years and his sister, Linda.
"I express my sincere gratitude for receiving a place on council," stated Councillor Fisher. "Running for office is a gruelling, hard process, but I am grateful for those who selected me to represent them on council. I hope to make a difference and look forward to working with each member of council. Lastly, I want to thank all the people who trusted me and helped me through the campaign through events and signage."
Councillor Fisher also acknowledged her family, including her mom and dad, daughter Laurie, son Dylan and husband, Brian.
"Congratulations to everyone tonight!" stated Councillor Tuju. "I am dedicated to protecting our waterways and environment and look forward to a bright future."
Councillor Tuju acknowledged the support of her mom and three sons.
"During the campaign, I was inspired by the community through all my interactions with people in and around my ward," stated Councillor Bell. "I was overwhelmed by the community's support and look forward to working with all members of council to move Ramara forward. A special thank you staff and my mentors, Kal Johnson and Joe Gough. These two former members of council motivated me and lifted me up to take on this challenge. Lastly, I want to thank those who trust me to serve the community on council."
Councillor Bell also acknowledged the support of her family and spouse.
The Mayor also announced the appointments to the standing committees:
- Deputy Mayor Keith Bell will represent Culture and Recreation Services
- Ward 1 Councillor David Snutch will represent Administration/Finance and Personnel
- Ward 2 Councillor Jennifer Fisher will represent Planning and Development Services
- Ward 3 Councillor Dana Tuju will represent Environmental Services
- Ward 4 Councillor Gary Hetherington will represent Transportation Services
- Ward 5 Councillor Sherri Bell will represent Protective Services
The Township of Ramara would also like to acknowledge dignitaries and special guests who joined the ceremony: Hannah Jones of MPP Jill Dunlop's office, Chief Ted Williams of Chippewas of Ramara First Nation, CAO Mark Aitken of the County of Simcoe, Mayor-Elect Randy Greenlaw of the Township of Oro-Medonte,Mayor-Elect, Jennifer Coughlin of Township of Springwater, Councillor-Elect Ralph Cipolla of the City of Orillia, and Coyer Yateman of the Orillia OPP.
Meet your new 2022-2026 term of council, including contact and ward information, by clicking here.
Reminder, on Dec. 28, 2022, appointments to committees and boards for the 2022-2026 term will be made during the Committee of the Whole meeting.
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