St George’s newest common councillor Jamie Sapsford was formally sworn in yesterday during a quiet ceremony in Town Hall.

Mr Sapsford, a father-of-two and contract manager for the LF Wade International Airport, said he was proud of his new post and eager to start work.

“I think my first job will be to get to know how the corporation works, what their relationships are with other agencies,” he said. “From there I can better decide where I can offer my services.

“I’ve been general contract manager for the past six or seven years. I’m also in charge of regulatory compliance, so I understand the new municipalities act is going to entail a fair bit of compliance. I will be talking to the mayor about that.”

The common councillor post was left vacant when former common councillor George Sutherland stepped down earlier this year.

A by-election was scheduled to take place later this month, but Mr Sapsford was the only candidate nominated.

He said that when he put his name forward he had expected a challenging campaign.

“I was prepared for it, but I was very fortunate that no one else put their name forward,” he said. “It makes it a lot easier.”

Mr Sapsford said he feels the town is in need of revitalisation, but already has many of the strengths needed to fulfil such a task.

“I think St George’s has a lot,” he said. “It has history, it has beauty, it has culture and wonderful people. They all should be leveraged to revitalise the town.”

Mayor Garth Rothwell said he was pleased to have Mr Sapsford on the Corporation of Hamilton team, and is looking forward to working with him.

“I think it’s good to have someone of Mr Sapsford’s experience wishing to join us, and we are happy that he is joining us,” Mr Rothwell said. “We look forward to him helping us out as there is a lot of work to be done.

“We’re going to give him a list of the committees that we have and see where his interest lies, and see if that fits where we have gaps that need to filled.”