SD&G – North Dundas Deputy Mayor Allan Armstrong will be the interim warden for the United Counties of SD&G for the next five months.
Armstrong was in a two-way race to fill the position. His challenger was South Stormont Mayor Bryan McGillis. South Dundas Mayor Stephen Byvelds was also nominated but withdrew his nomination.
The position was vacant after Frank Prevost left on a six month unpaid leave of absence from South Glengarry council as he faces criminal charges. The leave makes him ineligible to continue holding the position.
In his nomination speech this morning (Monday), Armstrong says he has the time to dedicate to being warden for the short term since his job as a truck driver with JED Express will be gone in eight days as the company dissolves.
Armstrong also noted his 22 years of municipal experience and his good municipal relations with Cornwall Mayor Bernadette Clement.
“It’s time for a new person to sit at the able,” Armstrong said.
Due to the coronavirus situation, county council suspended its procedural rules and held a phone vote with CAO Tim Simpson and Clerk Kimberly Casselman phoning each county councillor to take their secret ballot.
“I humbly thank you very much, I appreciate the backing,” Armstrong said in his acceptance speech. “Out of some different times comes some good things for me personally. There’s been some big changes in my life in the last little bit and now I have the time to devote to doing this job.”
Armstrong then recited the oath of office on the Zoom call.
A successor for the next term will be picked during the normal time this fall.
