At an emotional ceremony on Thursday, Rhonda Ehgoetz and Doug Kellum ended the formalities of transition with a big hug.
Ehgoetz presented the chain of office and gavel to Kellum, the 154th Warden of Perth County.
Ehgoetz, mayor of Perth East, oversaw as warden the completion of the county’s new official plan, which has been sent to the province for approval.
Kellum, previously deputy warden, said there is plenty of work to do, starting with a county council meeting right after the annual election ceremony.
There was no political drama: Kellum, of North Perth, was acclaimed.
But it was emotional at times, starting with a moment of silence for Jim Aitcheson.
Aitcheson was a county councillor, mayor and a past warden, who left a significant impact on council and community.
He took a leave of absence as Perth South Mayor, before dying of cancer on Nov. 21.
Perth-Wellington MP John Nater, attending virtually from Ottawa, said Aitcheson was a steady leader as warden through the pandemic, praising his “blunt advice and suggestions”.
Matthew Rae, MPP of Perth-Wellington, appreciated Aitcheson’s “frankness.”, noting there needs to be more of it in politics in this day and age.
Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma said he enjoyed working with Ehgoetz during her two years as warden, on topics that crossed the city/county divide, and stressed the importance of continuing to work with provincial and federal levels of government.
Ehgoetz provided “tremendous and strong leadership”, said St. Marys Mayor Al Strathdee.
West Perth’s Dean Trentowsky was acclaimed deputy warden.
Kellum said he appreciates the trust placed upon him as he steps into “an important role”.
Kellum noted several milestones in the past year including the official plan, which will guide the county forward for years to come, and the expansion and renovation of the county courthouse campus.
The new warden acknowledged that Aitcheson will be “deeply missed by all.”
“I hope I can live up to the work of Jim and all wardens before me.”
