Newmarket Regional Councillor John Taylor may receive deputy mayor title

Yorkregion.com
May 28, 2015
By Chris Simon

It’s billed as a consistency matter by some and jokingly referred to as succession planning by others.

Either way, Regional Councillor John Taylor may soon have an extended title. Council could approve a plan to change Taylor’s position to office of deputy mayor and regional councillor, during a meeting Monday night.

The change will not affect Taylor’s salary or his specific duties and residents will continue to vote for the position at-large. However, the title needs to more accurately reflect the Newmarket-based position, Mayor Tony Van Bynen said.

“There are so many functions where people believe the regional councillor is representing (York) Region,” he said. “The role doesn’t change. He does represent the community. It reinforces the role as a townwide representative; it provides some continuity.”

Councillor Dave Kerwin took a jab at the intent of the plan.

“It’s really superb succession planning,” he said.

But the change makes sense, Taylor said.

“There’s no question the community is growing rapidly and the demands on the office of the mayor grow exponentially. It allows for some clarity across jurisdictions.”

Most other local municipalities already have a deputy mayor’s position, Taylor said.