To the Editor,
After serving as the mayor in Port Alberni for the last three years, I would like to offer up the following few words to our community. Congratulations and thanks are due to all who ran and helped out in our election here in Port Alberni.
Congratulations are also due to our citizens for increasing our public engagement, and increasing our voter turnout during this past election.
I would like to pass on a special thanks to my wife Donna, and to all of those family, friends, and staff who helped me out over the past years.
For all of those candidates who did not acquire a “seat” on council, I would like to offer up a recognition of their efforts, encourage them to get involved in the various committees which the city invites participation on ,and encourage them, as well as all of the public, to seek out more interaction with our city government.
We now have a new, progressive mayor and a new team on council to move our city forward. Please give them all of your support and engagement.
Immediately after election day I had a phone conversation with our new mayor Mike Ruttan, to congratulate him and offer him whatever he wishes, to aid in a smooth transition. The next day I met with him for further orientation.
There will of course be an official Inaugural meeting with the swearing in of council in early December, which I would encourage the public to attend.
We now have the opportunity to move onwards and upwards to a new, positive Port Alberni.
It was an honour serving as mayor and on council for six years.
John Douglas,
retiring mayor,
City of Port Alberni