Former Georgina mayor Rob Grossi will run for regional council

Grossi was mayor for five terms until defeat in 2014

Yorkregion.com
July 23, 2018
Lisa Queen

Former mayor Rob Grossi will run for regional councillor.

That opens up a three-way race that will see voters electing someone to fill the seat for the first time in three decades.

Grossi will face off against Coun. Naomi Davison (who was appointed to the position following the death of longtime regional councillor Danny Wheeler) and Lee Dale, who has a career in specialized transportation services.

The popular Wheeler, who died Nov. 1 2016, had been a member of regional council since 1988 and was the longest-serving member in history.

Grossi and Dale complained Wheeler’s seat should have been filled by an election rather than appointment.

Grossi, who said “hundreds of people” have urged him to get back into politics, said he would focus on key regional and local issues if he is elected.

The veteran politician, who served as mayor for five terms before losing to Margaret Quirk in 2014, said he is concerned about a proposal that would see 40 million litres of treated waste a day from the Upper York Sewage System dumped into Lake Simcoe.

“The Chippewas of Georgina don’t want it and I don’t think the Town of Georgina should accept it either. Our town deserves a stronger voice at the regional table,” he said.

“I am (also) concerned about the amount of money the current council has spent, and is looking to spend, on things like a new civic centre and on lawyers and consultants. Frankly, I don’t know where the money will come from. When I left, we had money in the bank. I’m not sure where that money is today.”

Grossi also wants to forge new partnerships to bring more business to Georgina and suggested selling the naming rights for the new recreational complex to a business such as Magna, to reduce the cost for taxpayers.

Davison, the former Ward 1 councillor, said she has advocated for additional recreational facilities for the town, including the additional recreation centre in fast-growing Keswick.

“I promised to work toward building the new facility and finding a responsible way to make it happen. I’m happy to have followed through on that promise,” she said.

“We’ve planned well, having 90 per cent of the capital costs being funded by DCs (development charges on new construction) and the land being provided at no charge through parkland dedication. We are currently looking into possible partnerships to assist with operating costs.”  

Dale said he has gained expertise about budgets, tendering and infrastructure during his career.

“Having experience dealing with local municipal, regional and provincial government in Ontario, I have the tools to make an immediate impact,” he added.

“Whether it is standing arm-in-arm with residents on the Bonnie boats file, pleading on behalf of local business owners, demanding change with the creation of the Ravenshoe Road petition, which received over 2,000 comments and signatures, supporting local charities and initiatives, I have and will continue to listen and advocate for the needs of Georgina residents.”