From Kingston Whig-Standard, Letters to the Editor 1 November 2010
By Ed Smith Outgoing City Councillor, Williamsville District Kingston
Thanks for the memories
Serving on city council for seven years has been a very pleasurable and rewarding experience. I would like to especially thank the constituents of Williamsville for placing their trust and faith in me and allowing me to represent them for two terms.
I met so many good people in my district and, really, in all of Kingston over the past years. You all rewarded me on a daily basis with your gratitude and it often made me feel as if you were serving me rather than the other way around. So thank you again to the constituents of Williamsville and to all Kingstonians who continue to be passionate and express so much love for their city. You have truly made this departing councillor feel greatly appreciated.
I also want to thank the City of Kingston and Utilities Kingston staff, the management team, the middle managers, the support staff and the “hands-on” staff who collectively make Kingston work. The City of Kingston is a complicated $265-million operation, with its fingers in many different pies, so it is natural that there might be a few hiccups in its service delivery from time to time. But, even when there are occasional areas that need improvement, during my seven years on council I witnessed a dedicated, hard-working and effective municipal workforce who truly cares about doing the best job possible for the citizens of Kingston. So I would like to say thanks to all of you who helped me do my job.
I must also thank my colleagues on council over the past two terms. Despite our differences, we all agreed that the job was ultimately to make Kingston a better place to live and raise a family.
I would like to single out a few special people who inspired and guided me. To Mayor Rosen, who honourably and courageously led a much-needed transformation of our great city which will keep it vital and relevant in the competitive world in which we live, you have truly made a positive difference in the lives of Kingstonians for generations to come. I am proud to have played a small role in that.
To Leonore Foster, who provided wisdom, amazing leadership and an unselfish work ethic on behalf of Kingstonians, it was an amazing experience working with you.
To George Stoparczyk, who I served with on my first term of council and who served his community as a councillor for over 15 years, thank you for the advice and support you provided when I was new and starry-eyed about being a councillor.
I want to thank my campaign supporters, contributors and especially the volunteers who knocked on doors, put up signs, helped produce content for my flyers and website. Thank you for believing in me.
Finally, I want to wish the incoming council all the best. I think the citizens of Kingston have elected a council that has the potential to be great. Please remember you are all on the same team — the team of Kingston. If I can offer any advice, it is to take the time to learn the job, to listen to your colleagues and city staff, and to talk to your constituents. By doing that, you’ll have no problem making the best decisions on behalf of your constituents and all Kingstonians. Good luck.
Ed Smith Outgoing City Councillor, Williamsville District Kingston