Dave Boushy was first elected in 1964

Cathy Dobson/Local Journalism Initiative

He didn’t attend his final scheduled meeting of Sarnia council Monday, but Councillor David Boushy was recognized by his colleagues for serving his community for more than 50 years.

A motion made by Councill Terry Burrell congratulated Boushy on his “great work.”

Burrell asked that Boushy receive recognition with a certificate for sitting on city council since 1964, only briefly standing down in the 1980s when he lost to Marcel Saddy in a run for mayor, and then for one term in the mid-90s when he was elected Sarnia-Lambton’s MPP and served as a backbencher in the Mike Harris PC government.

Boushy, 94, gave notice in April that he would retire from politics when this term ended.

Monday marked the final meeting as an election will take place Oct. 26.  It’s possible a special meeting will be called for August 10 if necessary.  Otherwise, senior city managers have the authority to make decisions and sign agreements during the campaign period.

Boushy wasn’t the only one absent from Monday’s meeting.  Councillor Bill Dennis, one of four candidates running for mayor, wasn’t there either.

“For some reason this meeting just flowed today. I just don’t know why,” remarked Mayor Mike Bradley, who has clashed numerous times with Dennis in the past four years. 

Bradley has yet to declare whether he will run again for mayor.  Apart from Dennis, Councillor Chrissy McRoberts, Chamber of Commerce CEO Carrie McEachran and businessman Scott Molson have registered as mayoral candidates.

Nominations close Aug. 21.

The first meeting of the newly-elected Sarnia council takes place Nov. 23.