Mayor Steve Ferguson has issued the following statement regarding the passing of former Prince Edward County Mayor James A. Taylor:
I regrettably learned earlier today of the passing on September 1 of James A. Taylor, the first mayor of the amalgamated municipality of Prince Edward County.
Mr. Taylor had a long and distinguished career in provincial politics, serving as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Prince Edward – Lennox from 1971-1987. In the Progressive Conservative government of Bill Davis, Mr. Taylor served as the Minister of Community and Social Services from 1975-77. He then took over as Minister of Energy from 1977-78.
It was under his leadership as the Minister of Community and Social Services that his ministry initiated pilot projects throughout the province to deliver care to seniors through community-based organizations. That project resulted in the creation of the Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association.
After leaving provincial politics Mr. Taylor turned his attention to municipal politics. He was elected in 1997 as the first mayor of the amalgamated Corporation of the County of Prince Edward, a position he held until 2003. It was under Mr. Taylor that the foundation was laid for the municipality that exists and thrives today.
On a personal note, I had the privilege of meeting and talking to Mr. Taylor on several occasions after I was elected to council in 2014. He was a kind man and generous with his time sharing stories of his life in provincial politics and the early days of The County.
On behalf of all members of council and our staff, I want to express my condolences to Mr. Taylor’s wife, Mary, and their children and families.
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For media inquiries, please contact Mark Kerr, Media and Communications Coordinator, at 613.476.2148 ext. 1009 or by email at mkerr@pecounty.on.ca.