Maitland City Talk

Families across the country are dealing with matters that are significantly and directly affecting them personally and financially. But no matter how difficult one’s situation becomes, there will always be opportunity to be thankful.

First and foremost, I am thankful for having a family that is caring, respectful and considerate of others. We are fortunate to have our health and have family close by to enjoy the holidays together.

Not a week goes by that I am not thankful that I live in Maitland. I am thankful that our community has been given an opportunity to voice their opinions and express their convictions on many issues affecting Maitland, such that we continue to make real progress and move forward. With this opportunity of involvement and input, our leaders have been in a much better position to make more informed decisions about matters that impact each of us.

Over the past year, our city made real progress on our city hall and fire station in that over the next few months you will see construction begin on both! Our city has been designated a ‘Green City’, with a commitment of LEED certification of any building delivered in our community. We continue to have a strong relationship with our parents and schools and have succeeded in balancing our budget, setting in place a strong financial structure for the years to come.

My sincere thanks go out to my fellow members of Council and to all in Maitland who have served on our Boards for their involvement. In addition, I am thankful to have a qualified and dedicated leader to follow me in Howard Schieferdecker. Having a passion to serve others without regard to personal self interests is what will make Howard a fine Mayor of Maitland.

I am also very thankful for all who work for our city in the many departments and for staff who, in times of budget cuts, work harder than ever, and pray that their families are taken care of during the upcoming Holiday Season.

And finally, I am hopeful of what the coming year will bring our community: the continued commitment to create a pedestrian friendly City; the completion of our public buildings; the return of higher revenues that will help future budgets and mitigate resident’s tax burden; and, the dedication of residents in serving their community through running for a seat on their City Council. I am hopeful that all of our hard work will result in making the City of Maitland an even more enjoyable place to raise a family.

As my tenure as Mayor comes to a close, I will tell you I would not trade serving my community for anything. I am appreciative and thankful for the opportunity to have set a positive example of leadership in my community. I am honored and privileged to have been in a position to make a difference in my community and to have set the stage for future leaders. I will always be humbled by what this experience has brought to my family and me.

Here’s wishing you and your family the very best during the upcoming Holidays. Have a healthy, happy, enjoyable and safe Thanksgiving.