Richmond Hill's new mayor wants a renewed culture at city hall

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 27, 2022

David West pledged a positive change, a renewed culture and thoughtful leadership as he was officially sworn in as the new mayor of Richmond Hill after byelection.

West, flanked by his wife and son, took the oath of office at city hall Jan. 25 afternoon and will serve the remainder of the current term of council, which ends on Nov. 14, 2022.

“I want to thank Richmond Hill for the confidence you have placed in me,” West said. “I promise I will be a mayor that serves the interests of you, the people of Richmond Hill, and it's always been important to me that we build our community together.”

The new mayor acknowledged the city has some “difficult decisions” ahead, but his first order of business is to immediately determine a process for filling his now vacant seat for Ward 4 on council.

It is up to council to decide how to fill that position, but West believes the preference would be an appointment, he told The Liberal shortly after the swearing-in.

“It is important that this happens quickly and that the residents of Ward 4 be properly represented,” he said.

Meanwhile, many issues related to city growth are his top priorities as well.

“We need to very quickly turn our attention to some very important and large issues in Richmond Hill. One of these is the official plan review process.”

But in the short term, West said his priority will be to “correct our course on a number of issues that we have dealt with over the last few years.”

“I'll be working with the existing members of council to hammer home the message that you have given us in this byelection that you want us to work together to serve you, the community. I want to initiate a positive change and renew culture at City Hall.”

West was first appointed to council on Dec. 4, 2013 to fill a vacancy and was then elected in October 2014 to continue as Ward 4 councillor. He was reelected in 2018.

Well before he was an elected official, West said he was a dedicated volunteer in creating the new strategic plan for Richmond Hill, to make it a place where people come together to build a community.

“That statement still resonates with me as I go back to the statement all the time to remind myself why we're all doing this job.”

“I am really eager to get back to work,” he said.