Today, I would like to return a favour done on behalf eight years ago, also in the runup to a municipal election.
Yesterday, Jim Harrison made it official, confirming that he would not run for a 4th term as Mayor in Quinte West.
While most of us knew that already, having spoken to him often behind the scenes, it was still a pivotal moment which means that he won’t be helping to direct municipal activity in Quinte West or Murray Ward (earlier Murray Township) for the first time in decades after the election is held this fall.
Next to my desk at Starboard sits an official proclamation Jim gave to me after I retired in 2018 to run for Council in Belleville (unsuccessfully).
It thanks me for more my dedication, my hard work and for keeping the public informed.
Today, let me say Jim, right back at ya!
No one has cared more about the people of Quinte West than Jim. He agonizes over finances and the impact on taxes, wants to keep everyone in the loop about major events, and is never shy about giving his two cents about issues both large and small.
I shall greatly miss our early morning phone calls and texts, your candour and insight, and the knowledge that you were there to steer the ship when problems arose. Quinte West wouldn’t be the best without Jim Harrison. It was more than a slogan. It was a purpose and a promise from a farmer and former educator to every single citizen for whom he cared so deeply.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
