Hilton Beach council fills its vacant seat

Possibly the oldest Councillor to be sworn in in recent years, Shirley Bailey Meeks has been appointed by Village of Hilton Beach Council to serve the remaining term.

"I may be their (council's) very first 'antique'," Meeks said with a chuckle during a recent interview.

Meeks was appointed by council at its Sept. 14 meeting and will be sworn in at the Oct. 5 meeting of council.

The 75-year-old village resident was one of four applicants council considered in closed session following the resignation of Coun. Greg Duma for personal reasons.

Council accepted Duma's resignation at its Aug. 9 council session.

When Shirley and her husband, Chuck, moved to Hilton Beach, Meeks said she felt there was a lot that could be said and done in the village and was among her reasons for applying for the vacant position.

The Meeks attended several council meetings after moving to the village in 2007 from Jocelyn Township. As time passed, Meeks continued to attend council meetings periodically.

"I felt I wanted to be there and help, try to improve, if I could, anything and everything," Meeks said. "We like Hilton and we want to stay here. Taxes are high but I think council is working to improve that and I would like to be part of that. "

The most Meeks said she can contribute to council is her education and past experience as a business operator. She held a real estate license as well and various law degrees. Meeks retired from the work force in 2003 after 29 years.

"I get along well with people and enjoy people," she said. "We were good hard workers, always."

Since moving to the village, Meeks has been actively involved in her church.

"I have to honestly say when it comes to recreation and the such, I have not been a part of that but it's something that I am curious about and would like to help out," she said. "We do take part in a lot of the activities."

Meeks is looking forward to learning, experiencing, doing and most of all she wants to be active in bringing both families and, hopefully, businesses and customers to Hilton Beach.

"Our businesses do better here," she said. "That part is very lacking. We did have a good summer in Hilton as far as I can see for this year. The winter brings snowmobilers and winter activities that are available."

Meeks would also like to see the community ball field used.

The Sault Ste. Marie native is a mother of four, grandmother of seven and great grandmother of three. Present to witness the swearing in will be Meeks husband and daughter who will be visiting from Calgary, Alb.

The other three women who applied for the council position agreed to release their names publicly. They were Kim Irving, Lavera Crack and Carrie Chapple.

In an email from Mayor Robert Hope, "Council considered the holding of an election but it was agreed that it would be preferable to advertise and make the selection mainly due to the cost. Other items considered were the preparation time and that it is almost two years into the Council term."

The cost of the last election was about $3,800.