The tenure of the Kingston city council from 2018 to 2022 was unlike any other council’s because of the COVID-19 epidemic, continued drug poisoning, and housing difficulties.
Half of the current council members will not be running for re-election in the next municipal election on Monday.
Outgoing city councillor Bridget Doherty says, “I was lucky in the last four years because I worked on two professions that I’m extremely enthusiastic about, but it actually lead to a life that had no balance.
The burden in addition to other jobs and duties proves challenging for many council members.
Mary Rita Holland adds, “It’s going to be hard not to continue in that role, it was a huge part of my life, it’s a 24/7 work.”
After serving as a councillor for eight years, Holland is stepping down.
You definitely feel the obligation and the honour, she continues, “all the time.” I will be sad, but I will also be happy to have part of that time back.
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Jim Neill is one of those who is no longer looking for a seat near the horseshoe.
Neill, who served on the city council for 18 years and is currently entirely retired from teaching, wants to travel.
“Being a member of the city council is a full-time, part-time job, making it very hard to work in travel. So that was my main motivation,” adds Neill. “And I believe it’s time for more young people and women to join the council.
Neill is still involved in politics because he is a candidate for the Limestone District School Board from Williamsville.
Simon Chapelle, Robert Kiley, and Rob Hutchison join Doherty, Holland, and Neill in deciding against seeking reelection but retaining pride in their accomplishments.
It took a lot to keep moving during the epidemic, but we managed to do it, says Doherty. “A lot of fantastic work really continued, and that was a joint effort involving all Councillors, municipal personnel, and it took a lot to keep moving during the pandemic.”
Doherty claims that she will continue to promote legislation dealing with issues like housing, anti-racism, and climate change, but this time from outside of council chambers.
“I’m really proud of the working relationships we had as a council,” says Holland.
We realised when the public wanted us to go in a specific direction and worked to find a route forward, and I believe we worked well together. I also believe we were quite productive and cooperative.
Holland claims that while she still has an interest in provincial politics, for the time being she will concentrate on leveraging her knowledge in health policy to teach.
As for advice from the outgoing councillors to the incoming, Doherty says, “listen to each other, be respectful and work as a team.
Because doing so allows you to do much more.
Kingston, Ontario, is leaving. city councillors reflect on time in office
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