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Contact: Mayor William F. Bell , (905) 771-8800, ext. 3123
MAYOR BELL RETIRES AT THE “TOP OF HIS GAME”
RICHMOND HILL – After 25 years of serving on municipal council, Mayor William F. Bell, after much thought and consideration, has decided that he will not be a candidate for re-election in the November 2006 Municipal Election.
Mayor Bell indicated “I’ve had a lot of time to reflect. I am proud to be leaving on my own terms with a great sense of fulfillment and happiness, with a lot of respect for many great people and with a lot of friends.” Mayor Bell went on to say, “I’m really proud of what we, as a team, have accomplished in the past 18 years.”
He also mentioned that he has seen a lot of exciting things during his time as Mayor, of particular note and “the two closest to his heart”, the development of the employment lands and the beginnings of a new theatre.
Mayor Bell indicated that it has been an honour for him to have served the Town for so long and he thanked fellow Members of Council, staff and residents for allowing him the privilege of being their leader for 18 years. After his announcement, Members of Council expressed their thanks and respect for Mayor Bell for his hard work and dedication to the Town.
Mayor Bell is currently in his sixth term as Mayor and prior to being elected in 1988, he served as a Ward 3 Councillor for eight years. Mayor Bell also sits on a number of different boards for a variety of organizations, including Vice-Chair of the York Region Transportation & Works Committee, Vice-Chair of the Regional Rapid Transit Committee, Honorary Chair of S’port for Kids Foundation, an Honorary Trustee for York Central Hospital and Honorary Director of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, York Region.
As Head of Council, Mayor Bell exercises both statutory duties and executive powers. Such duties include recommending courses of action to Council that improve the finances, health, security, cleanliness and comfort of the municipality. It’s his responsibility to preserve order while presiding over Council meetings and to summon Special Council meetings as necessary.
Mayor Bell will complete this current term, which concludes on Thursday, November 30, 2006.
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