In 1962, 26 year old Bill Thake of Westport in my riding of Leeds-Grenville, was voted into office as a village councillor.

In January of 2011 he will begin his 50th straight year of serving the people of his municipality when he is returned as the acclaimed Mayor of Westport. He has been head of this council continuously since 1969.

The folks in Westport are so confident of his abilities that he has only faced opponents for the Mayor’s job three times. He handily won all three of those challenges.

As well as councillor, reeve and mayor, Mr. Thake has served as Warden of the United Counties of Leeds Grenville four times and has served on many boards, foundations and community organizations.

In 2003 he received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.

Held in the highest regard by the people in his community, I congratulate Mr. Thake on his years of service and thank him for his dedication to the people of his Westport and Leeds-Grenville.