Municipal Monitor Q3 2017 | Page 5

plan forward so that, like an oak tree, it continues to grow and endure for hundreds of years. I look forward to attending the zone meetings this year. Last year, as vice-president, I was able to attend a number of your zone meetings and enjoyed the conversations that we had during the day and throughout the presentations on the election of the vice-president and zone execu- tive. I am also looking forward to representing AMCTO at various conferences throughout Ontario and Canada as well as on a visit to the convention of the International “ Like the mighty oak, the association is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of its members and staff. ” Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) in Norfolk, Virginia next May. The association has again been honoured with an invitation to the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) Fellowship Exchange Program in Japan later this year and I am in training for this trip. (The children are teaching me how to use chopsticks and to acquire a taste for sushi!). I am pleased to be able to represent the association and its members in the coming year and hope that I will do so with the grace and professional- ism shown by all past presidents.   Municipal Monitor 3