Somerset Coun. Diane Holmes was recognized for her more than 25 years of elected civil service at today’s city council meeting.
The province recognizes municipal officials who have served 25 years or more. But Holmes, as Mayor Jim Watson pointed out, was first elected in 1982, meaning, after a brief three-year retirement, she has racked up 28 years of service.
Watson asked the city clerk why Holmes did not receive the award three years ago. The city clerk told him the paperwork was submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs – a post, which, at that time, was held by Watson.
“My apologies for losing the paper!” said Watson. “We’re here to celebrate, 25, 28, and 30 years of service for Diane Holmes.”
Watson said it would be difficult to summarize all of Holmes’ achievements in just a few paragraphs, but made mention of her advocacy for affordable housing, crime prevention, and green transportation.
Ottawa Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi co-presented the award along with Watson. “We are a better city because of Diane Holmes,” said Naqvi.
Holmes thanked many Centretown community organizations – “who have done most of the work.”
“When a community and a councillor and a staff work together,” she said, “we can do wonderful things.”