Guergis shares his last words with council

By Brad Pritchard Simcoe.com Nov 09, 2010
Guergis bids farewell. David Guergis’ term as Essa mayor will end when the new council takes office in December. File photo Defeated Essa Mayor David Guergis started off last Wednesday’s council meeting by addressing the elephant in the room.
“Well, I’d like to congratulate Terry Dowdall on his stunning victory…” Guergis said at the top of the meeting, making a reference to Dowdall’s landslide win on Oct. 25.
Keeping a positive tone, Guergis, who during his campaign criticized Dowdall and his role with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, said everyone should support the new council, which is set to take office in December.
“We can’t be here forever. It was a long campaign and lots of stuff happened but now its over and there is going to be a new council and everyone in municipality has to get behind them. I wish you guys the very best,” he added.
Shortly after the election, Guergis told The Herald the odds were stacked against him heading into the election.
“As an incumbent mayor it is always difficult to campaign against the ‘time for change’ campaign…” he said.
As for what lies ahead, Guergis said he is looking forward to returning to his private life. But he had time for one last laugh. He addressed a comment made by outgoing Ward 2 Coun. Rick Newlove about the prospect of having a little more free time in the future.
“The problem now Rick is that my wife is going to ask me to watch Dancing with the Stars with her,” Guergis quipped before starting the meeting.
Wednesday’s meeting could have been the current council’s last. There is one more meeting scheduled for Nov. 17, but there was talk of canceling it and leaving matters to be dealt with by the new council.