Mayor Don Darling speaks to reporters after a meeting of common council. (Image: Danielle McCreadie)
With the 2021 election results still a week out from being revealed, the current session of Saint John Common Council held its final meeting Monday.
The meeting began with a brief discussion around some city matters, including construction contracts on Broadview Avenue, before Mayor Don Darling signed a proclamation for Disability Awareness Week beginning May 30.
However, the majority of Monday’s meeting featured final remarks from the mayor and several councillors, some of whom are not seeking re-election.
Darling was the last to speak, beginning with a remark about how his five years in office brought up just about any disaster you could imagine the city facing.
“One of my inside jokes, not all that funny, with City Manager (John Collin) is we’ve had explosions and floods, COVID-19 and cyber attacks. The only thing left was locusts,” Darling said. “So I’m happy to finish up tonight, and to the best of my knowledge there’s been no locust attack.”
Darling, elected as the city’s 59th mayor in 2016, went on to thank his family, colleagues, and city staff.
Speaking to the city’s employees, Darling uttered his catchphrase one last time as mayor.
“You get the work done, you are the innovators, problem-solvers. And you implement policies aimed at seeing the city and citizens thrive economically, socially, and culturally,” Darling said.
The outgoing mayor became emotional as he continued his comments, addressing Saint John residents directly.
“The past five years have been the most challenging and rewarding of my life,” a tearful Darling said. “I have lived my values and kept my promise to put citizens first. I have tried to meet people where they are and helped them understand both the circumstances we find ourselves in and a path to a better place.
“I will keep on doing these things, and I invite you as citizens to do them too. Together we need to keep on doing things differently, and the good news is you can start today. Our citizens know what progress feels like, and I believe in my heart that they want more of it for everyone. Let’s build on our momentum and create a city in which everyone can thrive, live, work and play.”
Moving onto the next council, Darling had four pieces of advice: define success, measure progress, work the plan, and maintain high standards.
“If I had my way, the next council would continue to advocate hard for the municipal reforms we need from Fredericton,” he said. “Our next and future councils would stick to the financial policies and plans we worked hard to establish, and they would work with a sense of urgency to propel us onto the global stage.”
Darling closed his remarks by saying he was honoured to have served as the city’s mayor.
He says his final State of the City address will take place this Saturday on his social media channels.
Saint John’s next council will be revealed when Elections NB releases the municipal election results on May 25.
Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary, who was not in attendance at Monday’s meeting, and Coun. David Merrithew are also not re-offering.
