New Clearview mayor pledges ‘open-door policy’

By Gisele Winton Sarvis, Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin

In his opening address to council, new Clearview Mayor Chris Vanderkruys said that councillors will need to collaborate and think “outside the box” to make sure they can meet the expectations of residents over the next four years.

Vanderkruys and newly-elected Deputy Mayor Barry Burton along with seven councillors all recited their oath of service and gave speeches at the Township of Clearview’s inaugural 2014-2018 council meeting in the jam-packed council chambers at Town Hall in Stayner the night of Dec. 1.

Vanderkruys called on residents to become involved in township activities to enhance the success of the community.

“I want to involve you in many of the larger decisions we will be making in the next four years and that will take participation on your part as well as ours,” he said.

Town hall meetings and the use of social media will facilitate public dialogue, Vanderkruys added. Both Vanderkruys and Burton will sit regular office hours on certain days “so we have an open-door policy in the mayor’s office for citizens and employees.”

Vanderkruys is the township’s fifth mayor since the amalgamation of smaller townships and he said it’s time that the township pull together “to solve problems that are common to us all.”

Burton said he feels “privileged” to be a member of the council “team.” He congratulated Vanderkruys and all the other councillors and added that he is looking forward to working with township staff.

“This is an exciting time for Clearview. At time for growth and harmonization among the communities, a time for new ideas and vision, a time for Clearview to be recognized as a visionary and leader within the County of Simcoe,” Burton said. “Our biggest asset is you the people. Together we will build a strong and stable future for ourselves, our children and generations to come.”

New Clearview councillors include Connie Leishman for Ward 6 and Kevin Elwood of Ward 2. Second term councillor is Deborah Bronée of Ward 7. Third term councillors include Thom Paterson, Ward 5, and Doug Measures, Ward 1. Fourth term councillors include Robert Walker, Ward 3 and Shawn Davidson, Ward 4.

Fourth-term Coun. Walker said he is looking forward to working for the “team” that the public has elected and thanked his family for the sacrifices they have made to allow him to work on council.

Fourth-term Coun. Robert Walker also talked about how council is a team that works with staff and the public.

“As a team we will march forward and continue with the direction of this township and make it grow and make things happen for the betterment of Clearview,” he said.

Second-term Coun. Bronée said that although the council looks different than the last council, new members want the same things.

“We want to see some growth, economic development, and we want to preserve our rural roots,” she said.

First-term Coun. Elwood took a comical approach with his introductory speech. He said he’s learned from his 22-year marriage that he doesn’t always get his way and it’s the same when working with a township, but that he is used to working with others to find solutions to issues.

“The only promise I’m prepared to make at this time is that I will adamantly defend Ward 2 status as being the most beautiful ward in Clearview,” he said to laughs and applause.

Third-term Coun. Paterson made a special note to thank the previous council and added that the new council and staff have, “an exciting mix of experience and new energy.”

He added that he would advocate for residents of his ward as well as all of Clearview Township.

Mayor Vanderkruys then moved his first motion to adjourn the meeting, which was passed unanimously.