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iýF 1The Canadian Champion, Friday, December 1, 2006 - A3 'Savoline bids tearful farewell at her Iast meeting r By Melanie Hennessey CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF It was an emotional goodbye for fearless leader Joyce Savoline Wednesday as she chaired the last regional council meeting of her career. The long-time politician - whose announcement last year that she wouldn't be seeking re-election shocked every- one around the council table - fought back tears as she bade farewell to the colleagues who've become ber second family. ',I neyer looked at this as a job. Its more of a calling," sbe said. "It was a pleasure to cornte into the office every day" Savoline descnibed ber time as chairman as "such a pleas- ure. privilege and absolute dream." r She also said if shes done anytbing nigbî in ber tenure, uts due to tbe people around ber. abou our successes," sbe said. "its neyer about me - it's aot we." And even on bier way out of office, she continued to sing Halion's praises like she always bas, adding, "l'm stili a very proud resident of Halton and always will be." Savoline went on to thank everyone wbo bas voted for ber over the years, along witb past and present Region staff members and counicillors. 1 will miss you ail very mucb, and carry on the good work," she said, pulling oui a tissue to dab ber eyes. Savoline began serving at the Region in 1982, wben she Region wants GO Transit growth projects funded by development charges Tbe Region is urging the Province to amtend a piece of its legislation so that GO Transit growth-related projecis are fully funded by development charges. A motion callbng for the Development Charges Act to be cbanged was passed by regional counicil Wednesday in an effort to make one more staiement t0 Queens Park. Outgoing Regional Chairman Joyce Savoline, wbo brought the matter forward, said she îhought ifs appropriate to tell ibe Province ibat taxes sbouldn't be collected for GO'S growtb projects, but ratber the money sbould stnictly corne from developmenî charges. The motion also said that sbould tbe legislation not bc amrended, Halions contribution to ibe GO Transit Growth Capital Plan will be limîîed to development charges it col- lects, sîartîng nexi year. Peel aind York regions reccntly took similar positions. Savoline said she'l take the resolution wîîb ber io tbe GO Transit board meeting next Fida. started as a local and regional councillor for the City of Burlingion. She then took over the chairman post in 1994. Several other members of council who won't be return- ing for the next term. also said goodbye, like Burlington Mayor Rob Maclsaac, wbo said bes had an amazing time over the past 15 years at the Region. He also tbanked staff. Joyce Savomne describing its members as "models of professionahism, and bis council colleagues. Oakville Mayor Ann Mulvale bad four simple words to sum up ber time on council - "is been a blast." She said shes taking away many memories with her and is grateful for baving bad the opportuniîy to serve tbe com- înunîty. Burlington Councillor joan Lougbeed said for ber, being on counicil "was alI about building healîhy communities." 1I don't tbink there is any career more .exciting," sbe said. Outgoing Oakville councillors Janice Wrigbt and Mike t.ansdown also bid their fond farewells. And Milton Wards 2 and 4 Councillor Ron Furik simply extended bis tbanks to ail counicillors, staff and the people of Milton. ITihe inaugural meeting of the 2006-20 10 regional council will be held Wednesday ai 10 a.m. ai tbe Halton Regional Centre, 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville. Melanie Hennessey con be reached ai mhernnessey@mýilton- canadianchampion.com. 155 J Nii Jn Rd.,iAlton (95 7822 400 STEELES AVEUE MIO iý i i ts 12 U *ýTYT (i£ , TOOT TOYO A TOYOTA (* 55 OA