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Treasuring new challenges The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - A3 Leeds savours opportunit-v as the Fo-wns' new treasurer By Melanie Hennessey CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF Although she may be filling some big sboes these days, Linda Leeds is taking it ail in stride. Its been five months since she took over the reins as the Town's treasurer and elirector of cor- porate services from Jim McQueen, who recently retired after more than two decades of holding the position. And while the soft-spoken woman said its more than a little intimidating at times" to try to measure up to McQueen and his legacy, overaîl she feels things are going well. 'mt just really happy to be here," she said from her office in Town Hall Victoria Park. 'Il have the advantage of having worked here for a number of years." The certified general accountant first came to Milton in 1988 as the manager of accounting and IT. After a iwo-year hiatus in the 1990s when she went to work for the City of Guelph, Leeds came back 10 Milton as the deputy treasurer. 'Il had a real respect and admiration for this organization," she said of the Town. As the deputy treasurer, she held responsibili- ties regarding things like property taxation, accounting and the Towns annual budgets l experience thats helped ber transition into her new role. GRAHAM PAINE ICANADIAN CHAMPION Lînda Leeds has taken the reins as the Town's new treasurer and director of corporate services. and challenging." Another part of the Puslinch Township resi- dents new role is attending ail council meetings - something she said shes also enjoyeng. She explained that listening to the discussions at those meetings gives her insight into what councillors and residents feel are curreni issues in Milton and where the Towns resources should be directed. Looking back at the time shes snent so far asa So what does Leeds like about now being the Town employee, Leeds said shes most proud of Town's top bean counter? having been involved with the team that negotiat- "Every day is a bit different," she noted. "And cd financial agreements with local developers. as a member of the senior management team, you 'Il think theyre tools we've been able to put in have more of an opporeunity to paruicipate in place that wilI help the Town stay financially sta- some of the Towns strategic decisions. Thats fun - see GROWTH on page A7 I onA S90i-eae1se1n8mh n icue1000k w 05oe ndaepu rîht'uhpîe r de rll ea r e $132 d on de8v Seh s daiuer 100r0 k wi t $01p.radar lsfegt -ahp r h , 1-7 ,