Hello, Goodbye at Paradise council

By Mark Squibb | Vol. 32 No. 10 (May 22 2019)

The night of May 21 was both a night of endings and beginnings at the Town of Paradise, as council welcomed a new councillor into the fold and said goodbye to a director.

First, councillor Kimberly Street was ceremonially sworn into council, pledging the oath of office.

Each councillor took a moment to personally welcome Street to council.
Many of Street’s family and friends sat in the galley for her first meeting, and Street took a moment to thank them for coming out.

“I’m really excited about this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to working with the council and with the town staff. It’s something that I’m really excited about, and I’m looking forward to working for the citizens of Paradise,” said Street.

Street was the successful candidate in the May 9 Paradise byelection, raking in 788 votes.

Director of Infrastructure and Public Works Garry Spenser, meanwhile, sat at the council table for the last time.

Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Laurie, along with each councillor, took a moment to address Spencer’s retirement.

“I was very proud to work under his leadership,” said Laurie, who had worked with Spenser at the Department of Transportation and Works.
“He will be remembered here for great things… his leadership has made working for the town easy.”

She then addressed Spenser directly.

“I’d like to say today, as your friend, thank you so much for everything that you’ve done here. In the two years you’ve been here, you made such an impact, and we’re going to miss you, and I wish you all the best that retirement has to offer you.”

Chris Mills will now serve as Director of Infrastructure and Public Works.