Hamilton Mountain councillor Terry Whitehead taking sick leave

East Hamilton Mountain Coun. Terry Whitehead has officially announced he is taking a sick leave.

The Ward 14 councillor had not been at a council meeting since mid-December due to illness.

In a statement Friday morning Whitehead said he has contended with several personal and family health-related challenges" in the past year.

I want to be clear with the constituents I represent; I am committed to you, and it is a privilege to represent you at council," he said.

I am under doctor's care and taking a sick leave. It is my hope, and with prayer, that my recovery period will be short, and I'll come back stronger and better to champion issues that are important to this community and the residents I represent."

Constituents can still contact his office with concerns, where staff can address questions. Complex matters will be deferred to councillors Tom Jackson and Lloyd Ferguson, who have offered to help.

I am sincerely grateful for the support of my staff and council colleagues at this time," Whitehead said.

Under the Municipal Act elected officials who haven't attended council meetings for three consecutive months can have their seats declared vacant and be filled by council appointment or byelection. But council can also grant extended leaves.

Last October, Whitehead told Spectator columnist Scott Radley he was feeling better after missing committee meetings and putting weight back on after losing 20 pounds. He also spoke of caring for his 84-year-old mother, who has dementia and other medical issues.

Whitehead was first elected to council in 2003.

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