One of the longest-serving, most caring and personable Councillors in the history of any local municipality has passed away.
I was beyond shocked when I learned early this morning that Trenton Ward Councillor Sally Freeman died yesterday, leaving behind a three-decade legacy of community engagement, support for healthcare and first responders and many, many admirers (including me).
She served the Trenton and Quinte West Community admirably since she was first elected in the 1990’s.
Since then, she has been constant voice of reason, perspective and genuine caring.
I can’t tell you how many council meetings I attended where I learned something from Sally from a heartfelt message of support that she shared, or a thank-you to a community member delivered with sincerity and a sense of directness than has somehow been lost in political spheres over the years.
She was always engaged, fully committed, ready to get out there and talk to people and show her support openly and publicly and truly valued when people went above and beyond in their professional or personal lives.
Her support for Trenton Memorial Hospital was both passionate and well-known, and Mayor Jim Harrison was also quick to point out that first responders including the Quinte West Fire Department had no greater champion.
There are no words to say how much she meant to the community. Sally was much more than a dedicated, knowledgeable and very caring Councillor. She was truly a friend to us all.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
(PAUL MARTIN)
