York Region chair Wayne Emmerson withdraws from race

Yorkregion.com
July 26, 2018
Lisa Queen

York Region chair Wayne Emmerson has withdrawn from the race for the region’s top political job just a day before the deadline.

For the first time, the chair will be elected by voters in the Oct. 22 municipal election.

Currently, the chair is only appointed by the region’s mayors and regional councillors.

 

“I have made this decision with the full support of my family. It is a difficult decision, but it is the right decision for me and those close to me,” Emmerson said in a statement July 26.

Former Vaughan MPP, Liberal cabinet minister to run for York Region chair
The deadline to register or withdraw as a candidate for the municipal election is July 27 at 2 p.m.

Emmerson began his 27-year career in municipal politics as a Whitchurch-Stouffville councillor in 1988.

He served as the town’s mayor from 1994 to 2003 and again from 2006 to 2014.

In 2014, mayors and regional councillors selected him as regional chair.

Emmerson, who last year earned, $217,864, with taxable benefits of $17,635, was last appointed over Newmarket Coun. John Taylor for the post. Markham Coun. Jim Jones dropped out of the running at the last minute.

Emmerson said he is extremely proud to have been regional chair for the last four years.

“The work accomplished at the regional level is vital as our region continues to grow and mature,” he said.

“I will miss the work and I will miss working with my colleagues on regional council and our talented staff. But there is still work ahead of us between now and the end of this term of council on November 30. My dedication to this position and to the region remains the same today, tomorrow and in the years ahead.”

At the moment, former Vaughan MPP Steven Del Duca and former Thornhill MPP Mario Racco are the two candidates running for regional chair.