UPDATED  Wayne Emmerson is new chair of York Region
Defeats Newmarket councillor in two-man race

YorkRegion.com
Dec. 11, 2014
Lisa Queen

Former Whitchurch-Stouffville mayor Wayne Emmerson is York Region's new chairperson.

He won the region's top political job, beating out Newmarket Regional Councillor John Taylor, 16 votes to 4.

Markham Regional Councillor Jim Jones bowed out of race, backing Emmerson.

Emmerson was mayor of Whitchurch-Stouffville and a member of regional council for 17 years.

Taylor received votes from Newmarket Mayor Tony Van Bynen, who nominated him, regional councillors Jack Heath (Markham) and Brenda Hogg (Richmond Hill) and Taylor himself.

Emmerson got votes from the other 16 members of council, including Justin Altmann who replaced him as Whitchurch-Stouffville mayor this month. Altmann said he was undecided on who he would support yesterday.

"The top (regional) priority is to deliver transportation improvements — VIVA, roads, GO rail, and highways — to address congestion," the lifelong Stouffville resident said earlier this week. "Thankfully, we’re at a pivotal time with the province funding $1.8B of VIVA service improvements. Opening new rapidways that make commute times shorter is a priority."

"…I’ll also advocate: maintaining property tax rate changes at the rate of inflation; vigorously pursuing new employers and ensuring we remain on a strong financial footing."

Tonight marks the first time since 1997 an election for the position of York Region chair and CEO has taken place, following four successful acclamations for Bill Fisch, who retired this month.