Discussion of elected chair in York Region

By Brock Weir KIng Weekly Sentinel October 17 2012 

Discussions over whether to maintain the status quo of an appointed Regional Chair or having a duly elected representative as head of the extensive York Region hit Aurora’s council table recently.

A memorandum was placed on the table by Councillor Wendy Gaertner. The memorandum was a resolution from Newmarket’s council, moved by Regional Councillor John Taylor and Councillor Chris Emanuel supporting the election of the regional chair. Their support, however, comes with the proviso that support will only be provided “after broad and significant public consultation is undertaken with the residents of York Region.”

Councillor Gaetner’s inclusion of this resolution in the Aurora agenda was accompanied by correspondence she received from Aurora resident Catherine Marshall supporting the plan to change the regional system and calling for it to be discussed by Aurora’s elected body.

Councillor Paul Pirri suggested Newmarket’s resolution missed the mark.

“I have given this issue a lot of thought and there are two sides to ever coin,” he said. “If we choose to elect a regional chair, the downside to that is there’s an individual who could potentially solicit all their votes strictly from Vaughan, Markham, and Richmond Hill and leave the ‘Northern 6’ out of this.”

The “Northern Six” Municipalities comprises of Aurora, Newmarket, Whitchurch- Stouffville, King, East Gwillimbury and Georgina.

Councillor Pirri suggested making an amendment to this resolution, which will likely come back as a further notice of motion, suggesting the Northern Six should safeguard themselves in the interests of adequate representation

“If any future changes to the makeup of the regional council are contemplated that consideration be given to increase the proportion of seats held by the Northern 6 municipalities represented on the regional council,” he said.