Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding municipal career of Mr. Tom Edwards who announced Monday that he will not be seeking re-election as mayor of the town of Whitby.
Mayor Edwards has a long and distinguished career in public service spanning five decades. After faithful service to his country in the armed forces he became involved in the labour movement and served as either president or vice-president of the Oshawa and District Labour Council for 18 years.
Entering politics in 1960 Mayor Edwards was elected to the Whitby Public School Board. In 1964 he was elected to the council for the county of Ontario where he served in the capacities of reeve and councillor. In 1980 he moved to Durham regional council and in 1991 was elected as mayor of the town of Whitby.
As a rookie councillor in 1991, I often turned to Tom for guidance and advice. He was never too busy to help a newcomer learn the ropes.
Tom Edwards has served his community well over the years and Whitby is a better place for it.