GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Steve Liebig, the second place finisher from the 2018 Ward 3 municipal elections, has accepted the role of Ward 3 councillor for the Township of Guelph/Eramosa council.
At the Mar. 7 council meeting, council recommended Liebig to replace Coun. Louise Marshall after she resigned. Tuesday, Liebig confirmed EloraFergusToday that he’s accepted the position.
“I’m happy to have accepted the position. I’ve run several times for the township but this is my first time being on council for Guelph/Eramosa,” said Liebig on the phone.
Liebig, 53, ran for the first time for the 2010 Ward 4 municipal elections with 359 votes. He lost to John Scott who had 443 votes. He ran once again for the 2018 Ward 3 municipal elections and gained 556 votes, while Marshall had 711 votes.
He is married with two children.
“I’ve always had a basic interest in serving the community I live in. It’s something that gives me joy to work with people and help people and get things done that are beneficial to the community,” he said.
“It’ll be hard to say what I want to work on given the time-frame left for the term. I think I’d put my focus on learning more and sharing my knowledge with the current council and hopefully work in support of them."
Liebig, who used to co-own the Foodland in Rockwood with his brother, is retired and spends his free time with his family and friends while simultaneously serving the community as a volunteer firefighter for Guelph/Eramosa Fire. He’s been in service for 31 years and counting. Currently, he’s the captain of the fire department. Liebig moved to the township in 1991 when he was 22 years old.
“The Guelph/Eramosa residents can expect that I’ll be working on their behalf. I think the council has done a great job and I think the direction they’ve moved forward with has worked well for them.”
The next step for Liebig is meeting up with Amanda Knight, township’s clerk and director of legislative services, on Mar. 9 to discuss the process and then proceed with the orientation. Then, council will pass the appointment bylaw and Liebig will take the oath.
