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Departing councillor Anglin says newcomers can learn from Hillian

Emotional final meeting for unseated councillor
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Bill Anglin

Scott Stanfield

Record Staff

At his final meeting Monday, outgoing Courtenay councillor Bill Anglin thanked the people who elected him into office in 2011, and acknowledged all who ran in Saturday’s election.

“Without a doubt it’s been one of the greatest honours I’ve had,” said an emotional Anglin, who placed eighth in the vote for six council seats. “There will be a steep learning curve as you sit at this table. It’s a lot harder than people think.”

Newcomer David Frisch topped the polls, followed in order by incumbent councillor Manno Theos, new members Bob Wells and Rebecca Lennox, incumbent Doug Hillian and former councillor Erik Eriksson.

Anglin advises new members to look no further than Hillian for a councillor to emulate. Though the two did not always agree, Anglin credits Hillian for being prepared and for listening to all sides of an issue.

“He’s a gentleman in every respect,” Anglin said. “He’s consistently advocated on behalf of his residents and has never compromised his integrity or character for political gain — everything you could look for in a councillor.”

“It’s been a pleasure to sit at this table with you for the last three years,” Hillian said in response. “I always found you willing to listen. I was impressed with your ability to look at issues. I saw you change your mind on issues, and once you had considered all the facts, I saw you being responsive to the community. I saw you bring a level of professionalism and community mindedness to the table which I think was uniquely yours. Your contribution will be sorely missed.”

Theos, who sat with Anglin on the regional district board, commended him for his preparedness ahead of meetings and for taking charge of complex issues.

“It’s been a tremendous privilege and a tremendous honour working with you,” Theos said, noting Anglin’s intelligence “provided us tremendous insight.”

Mayor Larry Jangula — who has also sat on the CVRD board — concurs it is “no small task” preparing for district meetings, considering important issues are often buried in reports.

Hillian also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing councillors Jon Ambler, Starr Winchester and Ronna-Rae Leonard, who did not attend Monday’s meeting.

reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com