On Tuesday night, new View Royal Mayor Sid Tobias was sworn in and Screech officially surrendered his 20-year seat at the town’s decision-making table — 12 as a councillor and the past eight as mayor.
Screech, who lost the Oct. 15 election to newcomer Tobias , is one of many long-time councillors and mayors — including Rob Martin in Colwood and Langford’s Stew Young — who now find themselves on the outside looking in. The former mayor believes one of his greatest achievements as a councillor and mayor is the creation of parks — up to 50 hectares in View Royal alone. He was also involved in acquiring major pieces of parkland for the capital region, including Sooke Potholes and other parcels that have nearly doubled CRD regional parks to 13,300 hectares over the past two decades.
Graham Hill, who served four three-year terms as View Royal mayor until 2012, when Screech succeeded him, said the two often clashed, but Screech’s work ethic was second to none. Screech said View Royal has been able to keep taxes low by contracting out its maintenance and running a small staff.
Tough shoes 2 fill 4 new Mayor. Groundwork 4 future VR successes has been laid by DavidHScreech & good 2 read that he's prepared 2 stay involved as constituent. Thx David. And 4 those who don't know-Greggs is best upholsterer in YYJ. Craftsmanship is excellent 👏👏👏