A pair of London city councillors who are not seeking re-election were given time at the end of Wednesday’s meeting at city hall to reflect on their time in office. Ward 14 Coun. Steve Hillier has served two terms on council representing southeast London since 2018. Ward 5 Coun. Jerry Pribil has spent the last four years serving as the representative for neighbourhoods in northcentral London. “I have seen everything from this seat,” explained Hillier. “I have seen backstabbing, and I have seen support. We are a family, and like all families we don’t always get along. But the one thing we do is we talk.” He added, “I want Londoners to know this group works together. Whether or not we seem to agree, we do work together.” Both used the opportunity to express their gratitude to city staff and recognize the contributions of their colleagues. “Bottom line is, thank you to all of you. Thank you to the staff we really have a lot of expertise here,” Pribil remarked. Pribil also offered advice to the next council with regards to the 35 per cent increase to base pay that comes into effect next month, “With the changes we made with the stipend, that is really is going to be for all fifteen people a full-time job because Londoners do deserve it, (and) they do need it.” The next city council will be elected on Oct. 26. Both Pribil and Hillier remain in their elected roles until London’s next council is sworn-in at its inaugural meeting on Nov. 17.
