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Dubeau proud of service to the community

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In Penetanguishene
Dec 5th, 2010
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By Nicole Million Simcoe.com Dec 01, 2010
Out of politics for the first time in nearly two decades, ex-mayor looking forward to new challenges
Dubeau proud of service to the community. Now that she is no longer the mayor of Penetanguishene, Anita Dubeau said she is looking forward to applying her skills and experience to new endeavours. She recently became a board member of the Huronia Community Foundation. Mirror file photo PENETANGUISHENE – It’s the end of an era in Penetanguishene.
Anita Dubeau spent 19 years of her life as a member of town council, including the last 10 as mayor, before going down to defeat in the Oct. 25 municipal election.
She took time away from conducting employee reviews on Nov. 26 to tell The Mirror while there have been highs and lows in her nearly 20-year political career, it was an honour and a privilege to serve the community.
“Overall, our councils over those years have done a great job in bringing Penetanguishene into the future. We have a lot of great things to be very happy about,” she said, noting the one thing that stands out the most for her is the construction of a new administration building.
“That had been on the books for a long time, and when it came forward it was never the right time. In my second term as mayor, it became more of an issue because of accessibility, and we did fid the money and we went ahead. I think it was a great step forward.”
Since losing to political newcomer Gerry Marshall, Dubeau hasn’t been sitting back feeling sorry for herself, but has instead fielded numerous phone calls from groups anxious to tap into her experience and connections.
“I have become a member of the Huronia Community Foundation. Last spring, they pursued me to be a member, (but) there was too much percolating,” she said. “I’ve long admired their efforts in our communities.”
Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton said he has had the privilege of knowing Dubeau since before she became mayor.
“We worked together in politics and in the community going back into the early 1980s,” he recalled. “I knew from the early days that she’d make her foray into elected office and that she would be an outstanding elected official because she has the care and understanding of her community.
“She tends to wear it right on her sleeve, and there’s no doubt about what you get with Anita.”
Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop echoed Stanton’s praise of the outgoing mayor, adding he doesn’t expect her to sit around and relax for too long.
“I think the world of Anita and think she’s a really decent person who thinks things through. She was really proud to be the mayor of Penetanguishene,” he said.
Dunlop said it’s unfortunate she got ensnared by the public’s desire to shake things up.
“It’s not necessarily that they dislike you,” he said, noting Dubeau has the respect of nearly everyone she’s met. “(They) just want some kind of a change, and I think that’s what happened.”
Town of Penetanguishene CAO Eleanor Rath described Dubeau as someone who has been – and always will be – devoted to her community.
“I know the town is going to continue to benefit from her leadership for years to come,” she said, adding Dubeau was instrumental in a number of key municipal projects, including the Central North Correctional Centre, Georgian Village and the Oak Ridge redevelopment.
Southern Georgian Bay OPP Insp. Rick Philbin, who has worked with Dubeau since coming to the area five years ago, described her as an “honest” woman who always put the safety of her community first.
“If she had a concern, she brought it to my attention. She was always honest about what was on her mind,” he said. “Her focus was always about community safety, (and) she was very focused on ensuring they were getting value for their money as far as policing was concerned.”
Dubeau said having been a busy person her entire life, she will now have to redirect her energy. Although she’s not entirely certain what direction to take right now, she is confident she will find it.
“I do still want to stay involved within the community – doing what, I’m not sure – but I am looking at a few things and hopefully they will be successful in the long run,” she said, adding she is looking forward to spending more time with her family, especially during the Christmas season.
“I’ve always found the month of December to be extremely difficult because, when you’re in the political realm, there are always budget discussions and county discussions, so I am happy to have the time to do things I enjoy like baking.”
She is also considering revisiting an old hobby – pottery.
“I did have a ceramics business, (so) I might pursue pottery. I’ve always had an interest in building with my hands,” she said.
Not one to bear ill will, Dubeau thanked the community for its support over the last 19 years.
“In this election, there was a misunderstanding of what has been going on in our community. I think Site 41 certainly played a part in my demise – and the demise of other members of council – but it’s unfortunate everything was centred around that,” she said. “There’s so much good that has been done by all of us over the last years.”
As for the possibility of continuing her political career in the future, Dubeau said it was too early to discuss such a move

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