Final council meeting turns emotional

Mayor Andrew Jakubeit had trouble controlling his emotions as he made his last speech at Penticton’s city council table.

“I don’t know why it is so emotional, but it is,” said Jakubeit, who served two terms as councillor and one term as mayor before being defeated by John Vassilaki in the Oct. 20 civic election.

He noted that 10 years ago, it was him sitting in the gallery listening to then-Mayor Jake Kimberley’s final council meeting. Now, Kimberley was sitting in the audience, about to return to the table as a councillor.

“I am very proud of our council and we have never shied away from difficult or prickly subjects. Despite having varied opinions and perspectives, we never got personal,” said Jakubeit.

“I took comfort in that stability and the courage each of you around the table had to voice your opinions and to stand up for what you thought was right for our community, even though at times it wasn’t popular or would be difficult.”

As he went round the council table, the other councillors expressed their thanks to each other for the good work they did over the past four years. Only two of the current council members, Couns. Judy Sentes and Campbell Watt are returning. Couns. Tarik Sayeed, Andre Martin and Helena Konanz chose not to run again, and Coun. Max Picton was not re-elected.

“It’s been a really great experience. I look forward to staying involved. This is still my home … I will continue to be involved in the community in some way,” said Picton.

Martin said he believes the city is in a better place than it was four years ago.

“We have more tax base, which is important, we have more businesses, which is important and I do believe we have more folks living here, even if census says different,” said Martin.

Looking back, Jakubeit highlights the city’s public engagement structure as one of the biggest items accomplished by this council.

“Now we have a broad cross-section of the community that is participating, said Jakubeit. “It really helps for effective decision-making and I think that was something that is really going to help our community moving forward, regardless of who is at the helm.”

Jakubeit also said hiring Peter Weeber as chief administrative officer was one of the council’s best decisions, praising him for raising the quality of the corporate culture at city hall.

“It’s been an honour to serve this community,” said Jakubeit. “It’s been a fun 10 years. As much as I will miss it in some respects, I won’t miss it. Because you are, especially as mayor, in that limelight. You sort of lose your identity because you are the spokesman for the city.

“Till next time, wherever and whenever that may be.”

The swearing-in ceremony for the newly-elected council and mayor takes place on Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.