Outgoing City Councillors bid farewell to peers, constituents

By Barbara Taormina

The City Council is poised to see some significant change at their next meeting when five newly elected councillors come on board in 2024. But this week, the council gave some time to outgoing members to share their final thoughts on their time on the council.

Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito, who served on the council from January 2014 to December 2023, said he pursued public service because he wanted to make change. Morabito said he feels deep gratitude for his fellow councillors and stressed that unity and collaboration were keys to success. “It makes you appreciate the input they all have,” he said. “Everyone is an asset with their own ideas, their own suggestions, and that’s how we make change.”

Next to speak was Ward 5 City Councillor John Powers, who served from May 2000 to December 2021 and again from July 2022 to December 2023. Powers lost his bid for reelection to Ward 5 City Councillor-elect Agela Guarino-Sawaya. Powers spoke briefly about some of his successes during his time on the council. Five new schools, a police station and a public works facility were at the top of the list. He stressed the city needs growth to continue expanding its work and services for residents.

Next, Councillor-at-Large Dan Rizzo offered his thanks to everyone he has worked with over the years. Rizzo served from March 2000 to December 2011, from January 2018 to December 2019 and from January 2022 to December 2023. “I want to thank my colleagues, past and present. We’ve had a lot of fun; we’ve done some good work and it’s been an honor to serve our community.”

Rizzo also offered some “unsolicited advice” to the new councillors waiting in the wings. “Be true to yourself but also be true to the voters. You need to be their voice,” said Rizzo.

Ward 6 City Councillor Richard Serino, who served from January 2020 to December 2023, decided more than a year ago not to seek reelection in order to give someone else the opportunity to sit on the council. Serino thanked his mom and dad for all their help. “Politics isn’t really a family thing; we all stepped out of our comfort zone,” said Serino, who recalled his dad holding campaign signs in the snow. Serino wished the new councillors success and called his time on the council the most humbling experience of his life.

Councillor-at-Large Gerry Visconti, who served from January 2020 to December 2023, thanked everyone, especially his supporters. “I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for their overwhelming support,” he said. Like other councillors, Visconti praised and thanked City Clerk Ashley Melnik for her support and guidance.

“And to the residents, thank you for trusting me to be your voice. It’s truly been an honor,” said Visconti.