Rob Small is back in the mayor’s chair after 8 years away. Small served as Amherst mayor from 2008 to 2016, when he decided to take a break from politics. Now retired from his job with IMP Aerostructures, Small handily won the Amherst municipal election on October 19 with just over 2300 votes, about 800 more than incumbent mayor David Kogon.
The election also saw four incumbent councillors lose their seats, with Charlie Chambers and Hal Davidson the only councillors retaining their spots on the six member council.
The newly elected slate was sworn in Wednesday night:
MAYOR
Rob Small
COUNCILLORS
Charlie Chambers
Hal Davidson
Nic Furlong
Terry (Mouser) McManaman
Dwayne Ripley
Kathy Wells
CHMA sat down with Small at Amherst town hall on Monday to hear about what he sees in the future for the bordertown.
Small says the first task of the newly elected council, after they have been oriented to their roles, is to tackle a strategic plan for the town, which he expects to begin within 30 days.
He also says he’s interest in exploring a local bus service for Amherst, continuing the role of the town in helping to recruit healthcare workers, and making sure the town is ready when it comes to the effects of climate change.
