The current Smithers town council held their final regular meeting on Nov. 8, and two of the councillors knew they would not be returning after the Nov. 19 election. Councillors Lorne Benson and Jo Ann Groves – also deputy mayor – didn’t run for re-election, although that didn’t stop either from fully participating in debating potential raises for council, a new truck route bylaw and the rezoning possibilities surrounding Innovation Foods.
At the closing of the meeting, the two councillors took the opportunity to say some parting words.
Benson thanked the staff and council, and pointed out that in three years the current council has cleaned up many “housekeeping issues,” as well as amending or bringing in a number of bylaws.
“I have to say that the community is very well served by the staff here at the town office, highly professional people,” he said. “It’s been a three year term with some really significant achievements.”
Groves said despite animated debates with other council members, everyone still managed to come together and get work done, and to stay friendly outside council chambers as well.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I leave. I’m really going to miss all of you and the staff,” she said.
She also said the most recent council has accomplished quite a bit, especially compared to the previous two terms she’d served on council.
“I have to say that the work this council has done has been more than the other two put together,” said Groves.
Councillor Charlie Northrup pointed out that despite many hot debates between him and Groves, they still always stayed friendly outside council chambers. Councillors Norm Adomeit and Mark Bandstra both pointed out how much they’d learned from Benson and Groves.
Outgoing Mayor Cress Farrow had kind words for both Benson and his deputy mayor. Benson’s business and management experience was invaluable, he said.
“Councillor Benson is so methodical and so thoughtful, and he researches everything. I mean he really researches detail,” said Farrow.
Groves was the person he consulted the most; as deputy mayor, she was the person Farrow said he turned to.
“Councillor Groves was a go-to person in the community. People from the community just enjoyed Jo Ann so much,” he said.
Groves will still likely be appearing in council chambers, as part of the committee planning the 2013 centennial celebrations for Smithers.
“She is going to be there helping contribute to the community,” said Farrow.