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Nearly three years after narrowly missing out on election to North Bay City Council, Ed Valenti has officially been sworn in as one of its members.
In a brief, physically distanced ceremony held Tuesday evening in the Mayor's boardroom at City Hall and streamed by the City of North Bay, Valenti swore his oath of office. He was joined by Mayor Al McDonald and Peter Leckie, the City Solicitor.
"Our warmest congratulations to you, Councillor Valenti," McDonald said. "We have a tremendous Council and a tremendous staff here in the city. We do it because we love our city and we want to move the city forward. I think you're going to be a great addition to this council."
Valenti took to the podium as his fellow members applauded via Zoom.
"It's an honour and a privilege to be a member of Council and to be able to bring some benefits and support to the citizens of North Bay and I look forward to the next year," Valenti said.
Valenti immediately joined his new colleagues for committee and regular meetings.
In telling BayToday in late August he would accept the appointment, Valenti noted he has been keeping up on municipal issues and this Council's path. "They have to make some serious decisions. I certainly have my opinions and thoughts on things. I like to think I have some fresh ideas."
See related: Ed says he's ready to serve
His 2018 campaign saw Valenti run on a platform that included municipal council transparency.
"Transparency is a core value of any public entity," he said then. "Staff, council and the mayor are accountable to the public and it is essential that information they communicate is accurate and provided in a timely manner."
Council appointed Valenti to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Marcus Tignanelli. Valenti finished 12th in 2018 and was the next person in line to be elevated to a council position. Last year, 11th place finisher George Maroosis was appointed following the sudden passing of long-serving councillor Mike Anthony.
Once Coun. Scott Robertson returns from his leave of absence, all seats around the council table will be filled.
With files from Jeff Turl and Chris Dawson
