Abbotsford Coun. Lynne Harris attended her final public council meeting on Monday night.
The political veteran chose not to seek re-election this year, giving up her seat on council which was won by newcomer Henry Braun.
Harris told the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium crowd, including several members of her family who came to watch, that it was “fitting” Braun take her spot, considering when she first moved to Abbotsford, Braun was her neighbour.
“We’re neighbours, we’ve been friends for an enormously long time and I can’t think of a finer individual to sit in my chair.”
It was an emotional farewell for Harris, who served nine years on council and 15 years as a school trustee.
“I obviously made the decision to end my career as a politician. I thought very long and hard about it and I knew I would be very emotional about it and I would miss it greatly. But it was time to strike and it was a good decision ... Tonight is very difficult,” said Harris.
She called council a team and while there are some challenges ahead, her colleagues will continue to work for the city.
“We all strive to be better and to represent you better,” said Harrris.
She worked on council with three different mayors and expressed regrets that outgoing Mayor George Peary was not at the final meeting.
“I’m very sorry George isn’t here tonight, but I think we can understand, under the circumstances ... I chose to leave and how difficult is it for me to leave and to be here tonight. So you can imagine for him it would be very difficult.”
Harris is looking forward to spending more time with her family.
“My husband says he doesn’t know what to do with me on Monday nights. For 24 years, I have not been home on Monday nights.”