Milton council turns over to new administration

A packed house at the Milton library witnessed a whirlwind of change at town council’s April 4 meeting, as one mayor and councilman stepped off the stage, and a new mayor and three new council members took their seats.

Giving their farewell addresses were Councilman Sam Garde and Mayor Ted Kanakos; Garde chose not to run for re-election, while Kanakos lost his bid for re-election to John Collier. 

“I just want to say it's been an honor and a privilege to be on the town council,” Garde said. “I want to thank all the residents for their support and participation. The town does well because the residents are interested and participate, and I want to thank you for giving me the honor to serve.” 

Kanakos thanked those whom he served with on council and the town administrative staff for their help and support over his two terms as mayor. His last two acts as mayor were presenting the Lifetime Volunteer Award to Elaine Carbone of Milton Garden Club and issuing a proclamation in support of Ukraine.

Town Manager Kristy Rogers surprised the room by announcing that Kanakos was the winner of the annual Citizen of the Year Award for his service to the town. Collier awarded plaques to both Garde and Kanakos in honor of their service. 

Kanakos’ closing words were in support of his successor.

“I want to endorse our new mayor,” he said. “I want you to rally around John. He can do the job. I have great confidence in him. And now, he’s my mayor.”

After Garde and Kanakos left the dais, Collier took the oath of office as the town’s new mayor, flanked by his wife, Cathy, and grandson, Tyler Conran. Following that, the oath was given to Councilwoman Annette Babich, serving her first term on council, and Councilman Larry Savage, who was elected to his first full term after serving the remaining term of the late Michael Coté since May. 

With Collier now in the mayor’s seat, it was on him to nominate a replacement to serve the remaining two years of his council term. Collier nominated Frederick Harvey, father of Police Chief Derrick Harvey, to the seat. Harvey was approved unanimously.

With the new council now seated, Collier made his nominations for council’s administrative officers with Councilwoman Randi Meredith as vice mayor, Councilman Rich Baty as secretary and treasurer, Savage as assistant treasurer and Babich as assistant secretary. The slate was approved unanimously.

On committee assignments, Meredith was appointed as chair of the streets, sidewalks and parks committee, Harvey was named chair of the water committee and Babich was named chair of the new economic development committee, which will examine ways to grow and support economic development in Milton.