Mayor sheds some tears in his emotional farewell
Penticton’s outgoing mayor choked up several times as he delivered his farewell address at Tuesday’s city council meeting. “I took comfort in that stability and courage each of you around this table had to voice your opinions and stand for what you thought was right for our community, even though at times it wasn’t popular or it was difficult,” said Andrew Jakubeit, who at one point paused to accept a tissue from a member of the audience.
“I think we’ve accomplished a lot,” he continued. “We can look outside to the downtown, and the walkways, some of the more tangible sexy things that you see, and the less sexy things: the policies, the different plans, the parks and asset management ... That takes a lot of political will to sort of power through.”
He cited a new public engagement strategy as council’s biggest accomplishment and the hiring of city manager Peter Weeber as its best decision, noting the corporate culture in place now is the best he’s ever seen.
Jakubeit served two terms as a councillor before taking the top job, but was soundly defeated by John Vassilaki in the Oct. 20 election
Coun. Campbell Watt, who won a second term, led off the tributes by paying particular respect to Couns. Helena Konanz and Judy Sentes, whom he described as mentors.
Konanz, who is moving on after winning the federal Conservative nomination for the riding, used her address to offer advice to the incoming council.
“The Vital Signs report says that 42 per cent of Penticton residents were affected by mood and anxiety disorders in 2016, and that is a huge number. The average in B.C. is 31 per cent,” she said.
“So I’m going to ask the council moving forward: When you’re making decisions, just really remember that.”
Coun. Max Picton, who was defeated in the election and will not be returning for a second term, said the experience is one he won’t forget.
“I look forward to staying involved — this is still my home, this is the place that I love more than anywhere else in the world,” he said.
Also departing council is Coun. Andre Martin, who chose not to run again and applauded colleagues for their work.
“I do honestly believe the city is in a better place today than it was four years ago when we took over,” he said.
The last to speak was Sentes, who was elected to a fourth term.
“I want to give credit to each and every one of the councilors here with me,” she said.
“The discussion has been respectful, and no matter how much we differed, we still were respectful of each other and I think that’s one of the biggest compliments I can give you.”
Coun. Tarik Sayeed did not seek re-election and infrequently attended council meetings over the past several months.
Council’s next meeting is set for Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, where Vassilaki and the new council will be sworn in.