Mayor Mat Siscoe offered a tribute to Carlos Garcia, at the beginning of Monday's council meeting, along with moment of silence
It was a sombre start to St. Catharines city council meeting Monday, with a tribute to the late Councillor Carlos Garcia, who died earlier this month.
Mayor Mat Siscoe says his love for Port Dalhousie was evident, amid the numerous groups he worked with, and pivotal role in the budget process.
He says Carlos left a lasting impact on the city's financial health. "Carlos' contribution to the arts and culture in our community were also significant. He was a passionate advocate for the Niagara Jazz Festival, and a dedicated board member of the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre. His work to support and promote the arts in St. Catharines will continue to inspire us all."
The mayor says although the two didn't always agree, they managed to find common ground.
The councillor was also an advocate for hertiage, environment, and urban planning.
The mayor added he was advised by Deputy Mayor Bill Phillips to pick Carlos when needing a budget chair. "When I asked him if he would consider it, his response was thoughtful. He was already involved in so many other areas, he said, and would have to scale something back to do the job properly. From that point forward, he was the only person I could imagine in that role. He understood what the job meant, and was only willing to do it, if he could do it properly."
The mayor offered his condolences to the family, and then held a moment of silence.
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