Terry Trace celebrated her newly won seat on Colwood council Saturday night with friends and supporters at the Country Rose pub, but there was one face missing from the party.
Her mother, who had lived in Colwood for 52 years, passed away in January.
“This one’s for you, mom,” said Trace, smiling amidst the jubilant crowd.
Trace was one of three non-incumbents to be voted in – the others were 22-year-old university student Lilja Chong and former councillor Jason Nault – and she brings with her a wealth of experience from the administrative front lines of municipal government.
From her start as a city hall receptionist in 1986, she moved into the engineering and planning departments as secretary, and eventually moved up the ladder to become administrative assistant for the City of Colwood.
“I went to all the meetings, did up the agendas. I used to prepare bylaws and policies, and the reports to council. I was personnel manager, I dealt with the lawyers and all the legal policies,” she said.
“I’ve got so much experience to offer. I used to train councillors,” she laughed.
Retired now for 10 years, Trace said she’s looking forward to getting back in the game from a different perspective. Born and raised in Colwood, she said, “(The city is) very close to my heart. I’m excited and I’m going to take it very seriously.”
She talked about contributing further to the beautification of Colwood during the four-year term and expressed enthusiasm for the city’s direction in sustainable development.
The mix of incumbents and newcomers should provide a healthy mix of experience and opinions, she said.
“We just have to make it work. You have to work as a team on council. If you come in trying to be an independent councillor, it just doesn’t work. And Carol (Hamilton’s) got the ability to get people to work as a team. I have a lot of respect for her.”
Trace added: “The last council has done a great job. I’d like to see it continue.”
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