Wayne Redekop is concerned about Strong Chair power, hopes province re-thinks plan for unelected chair and 12 elected mayors
Fort Erie's mayor is really hoping the Ontario government reconsiders its plan for an unelected regional chair and 12 elected mayors.
Wayne Redekop wants it based on evidence and local public consultation.
He's especially concerned with Strong Chair power, similar to Strong Mayor, giving power to over ride decisions of elected members. "There's probably, at least in my case, a philosophical reason why we don't do it. I don't think it's appropriate for me, and a 3rd of my council, to decide the important issues of the community. So, we're not using them (strong mayor powers)."
He says people are more concerned with health care problems, such as closing Douglas Memorial urgent care centre, than the size of government.
He also questions claims of too many politicians. "Most of the elected officials in Niagara, at the local and regional level, are part time employees who receive fairly small amounts of money. They're paid less than the 16 members of council in Hamilton."
He adds at no point did the majority of Niagara mayors want an unelected chair.
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