Welcome to the first edition of the Chester Times Monthly. Kudos to Lighthouse Media Group for providing the residents of Chester and area with the opportunity to express opinions and have local issues reported on in a professional manner.

 I would like to take this opportunity to thank Darrell Hiltz, who has retired as CAO, for the leadership he has provided to the municipality over the last five and a half years. 

 This is also an opportunity to introduce the incoming CAO, Erin Beaudin, to our municipality. Erin has spent the past four years serving as executive director of Kings Community Economic Development Agency and is recognized by her peers for providing strong leadership and commitment in whatever projects she has undertaken. Erin’s educational background and skills in economic development and strategic planning will put the municipality in a solid position moving forward.

 Change, whether the newspaper you read or leadership within a municipality, can be uncomfortable but it does give you an opportunity to reflect on the past approaches and an opportunity to re-establish best practices within your organization. The municipality is constantly evolving in its approach to providing services and seeking new opportunities.

 I look forward to using this column, as does the rest of council, to provide the readers with insight into their local government.

Allen Webber
Warden,
Chester Municipal Council