'Rules need to be applied firmly, fairly': Richmond Hill's new mayor vows to restore council civility

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 28, 2022

David West will have his hands full as the new mayor of Richmond Hill.

West, flanked by his wife and son, was sworn into the mayor's office Jan. 25 after he won the mayoral byelection. He will serve the remainder of the current term of council, which ends on Nov. 14, 2022.

"People expect us to be restoring some decorum and respect during council meetings," West told the Liberal via phone, shortly after the swearing-in.

The new mayor believes city hall needs a positive change, a renewed culture and strong leadership.

"All of the rules need to be applied firmly, and they need to be applied consistently, and they need to be applied fairly."

Richmond Hill's council, which has been referred to as "pro-development" and "out-of-control," garnered some unwanted attention as disruption and dysfunction came to define this term of council.

Regional Coun. Joe DiPaola took over as the acting mayor in February 2021, after longtime mayor Dave Barrow took an extended medical leave, which seemed to elevate tensions inside the chamber.

The byelection was called after Barrow announced in September that he would be stepping down from his role after briefly returning to work.

West was seen by many residents as a cornerstone at council meetings during the chaotic times, hence was favoured in the mayoral byelection.

There were nine candidates in the race to test drive the mayor's seat before this fall's full municipal election. But West and his three fellow councillors secured the vast majority of the ballots cast.

With West defeating the other contenders from the council, residents can't help but wonder how they will react to the new council dynamic, and whether West will be a strong enough leader to reign in what appeared to be a combative group.

"Feb. 9 council meeting is a must-see viewing," said resident Dave Slotnick. "Mayor West must take control immediately."

With West moving up to the seat of mayor and regional councillor, the Ward 4 councillor spot is now vacant. West said his first order of business is to decide how to fill that position and resume the nine-member normalcy in council.

Meanwhile, many issues related to city growth weigh heavily on West's mind, 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."

He wants projects like the Richmond Hill Centre transit-oriented community to be done right.

"If it's simply going to be big, that's not going to necessarily be good," he said.

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

Well before he was an elected official, West said he was a dedicated volunteer in helping to create 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," he said.

West's victory in the byelection drew many positive reactions from the community.

"Change can happen with the right people in place and residents getting involved and voting," said resident Nina Ponte.

The voter turnout for this byelection hit 32 per cent, higher than the 2018 municipal election which was only 27 per cent. Approximately 93 per cent of votes were cast online.

"A five per cent increase in voter turnout over the 2018 election is pretty darn good, especially since this was a byelection in the winter during a pandemic," said resident Marian Nalley.

While alluding to some "difficult decisions" ahead and concentrating on the next few days and weeks, West also stated he has no reason to believe that he won't run for mayor again in nine months.