As the world says goodbye to 2022 and opens the door to 2023, BarrieToday asked city councillors for their perspective on the year that was, the year that will be and how they resolve to approach it.
Some councillors did not respond in time for publication.
Ann-Marie Kungl is beginning her first full term as Ward 3 councillor, having won a by-election just over a year into the 2018 term.
Having been part of the pandemic-era council, she told BarrieToday what her main takeaways are from 2022, personally and professionally?
“My personal and professional takeaway from 2022 is that people are still struggling, time is precious, and acts of kindness can be incredibly powerful as a way to support one another and feel connected.”
As for what Kungl is most looking forward to in 2023, it includes a lot of positivity and teamwork.
“I am looking forward to establishing a new normal with the lessons we’ve learned through COVID-19, and while there may be challenges ahead, I am looking forward to approaching what comes in 2023 with positive energy,” said Kungl. “There’s nothing we can’t do together.”
The Ward 3 councillor said she doesn't typically make resolutions at New Year’s, rather she makes changes when they are needed.
“That said, I find myself at this time of year being very reflective and grateful for all I have achieved and all I have been able to give back,” said Kungl.
Nigussie Nigussie became Ward 6 councillor after the October municipal election.
According to Mayor Alex Nuttall at this term’s first council meeting on Nov. 16, Nigussie made history as the first Ethiopian ever to be elected to public office in Canada.
Nigussie told BarrieToday his personal and professional 2022 takeaways.
“Overall, 2022 was a year of change for the City of Barrie and myself as well. Barrie elected a new city council with a new vision, and I am so thankful to the residents of Ward 6 for placing their trust in me,” said Nigussie. “Hard work almost always pays off and this principle was reaffirmed in 2022 in the election and in my personal life. I think that being determined, having a purpose in life, and pursuing humility will make anyone successful and I hope my children learned that this year as well.”
In 2023, Nigussie said he is looking forward to working with his fellow councillors and staff to “ensure that the people of Barrie get the best service.”
“Barrie’s opportunities are infinite, and I am really looking forward to charting a path for Barrie to thrive as a place to live, work and play,” he said.
Nigussie’s New Year’s resolution is more family based than anything else.
“My new year’s resolution is to get back into playing and coaching my kids’ soccer once a week that was interrupted during the chaos of the campaign period,” he said. “In the meantime I wish everyone in my community and around the world a happy and productive new year.”
Veteran Ward 9 Coun. Sergio Morales says he will take away communication lessons from 2022.
“When I've talked less, people ask me more. It's nice,” said Morales. "As for professionally, nobody wants to hear the five-plus reasons why leaf-yard waste bags didn't get picked up. Explaining them makes the problem worse. Just get them picked up.”
Looking ahead to the new year, Morales said he is not looking forward to turning 30 but that professionally, “my career is looking forward to me turning 30.”
Morales’ New Year resolution is easy for him.
“I will not door-to-door hand-deliver the Ward 9 Christmas card during a ‘snowstorm of a generation,’ again,” he said. “Canada Post can handle it.”
Bryn Hamilton is one of the new faces of council as the representative of Ward 10.
Hamilton told BarrieToday her main takeaways from 2022, personally and professionally.
“Choose happiness and enjoy the small moments. Life is way more fun that way, “ she said. “Professionally, go after what you want with no excuses. If it doesn't feel like there's enough hours in the day, sleep less.”
The new councillor is looking ahead to 2023 and said she plans to appreciate each of the 365 days in the year.
Learning, listening and making a difference are her professional goals
When asked if she makes resolutions, Hamilton said every year she picks a goal she doesn’t think she can do.
“It only seems impossible until it's done.”
