Speech from the Inaugural Meeting of Council 

Hello everyone,

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It is a real honour to be here. To be taking my place in Orillia’s City Council. I am very excited and looking forward to representing the people of Ward 3 in our great city.

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Before we get started, there are some people that I would really like to thank:

1st My Mom and Dad (Wendy and Fred)- just over there- They are the best parents a guy could ask for. They have been incredibly supportive of me. Always kind, generous, and great senses of humour. I credit my positivity and perseverance to them. Thanks Mom and Dad!

2nd My siblings Jennie and Murray as well as my full extended family (and it’s a big one)- and they were very involved in the whole process. We actually have here tonight up from Bradford my Aunt Mugsy and Grandmother Lois taking it all in. So thanks to you guys and the entire Fallis-McQuaig clan

3rd There were so many of my friends who helped out in various ways and were supportive of me throughout the process

-The McWhinnie Brothers

-The Winchesters

-The Johnsons and the MOJO team

-The Andrews-Garland Family

-The Sayles

-The Booths

-Alex, Tom,

-Dennis, Brad, Elizabeth,

These are just a few of the many people that helped out and I couldn’t have asked for a better support team! From the bottom of my heart to everyone thank you!

I also want to say thank you to Ward 3, I look forward to representing your interests at city hall. My door is always open, my phone is always on. And I really hope to do you proud!

Additionally, I am eager to get started working with this council. Many have said to me that this will be an exciting one to be a part of. There is a great deal of experience and energy, and I’m looking forward to learning from and working with each and every one of you.

Also a special thank you to both Sarah and Jeff who are passing on their seats to us tonight and I want to recognize the contributions they have made. Sarah, from seeing you on council and from what I’ve heard I know that you brought a great deal of passion and commitment to the position.

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For Jeff, it’s a real honour to be taking over your seat. Hearing of your incredible dedication and research, I hope to continue that tradition for Ward 3. Having recently joined the Orillia council curling team, I recognize that these are some big curling shoes to fill!!

Before finishing there is something I would like to leave you all with.

I was recently watching a clip on Youtube. It was a commencement speech to Dartmouth College by the comedian Conan Obrien. And in the speech, Obrien, reflects on some of the doctrines of history. the Monroe Doctrine, the Kennedy Doctrine. He then goes on to create his own.

While I am certainly no Conan Obrien, I would like to submit the key principles that are going to guide my term over the next four years in what I like to call the “Mariposa Doctrine’.

The Principles of the Mariposa Doctrine

1. I will vote not on what is easiest politically, but what is best for this city

2. I will be honest and fair no matter the situation

3. Above all, I will make every effort to work with my opponents rather than finding faults

We all know that 4 years is a long time and so many changes can occur. But no matter what the scenarios, the obstacles, these are the principles I will adamantly uphold.

Thanks again to all and I really look forward to getting started!