King Township mayor, council promise to keep momentum going

YorkRegion.com
Dec. 2, 2014
Tim Kelly

With only one rookie member of council sworn in Monday night, the evening may have had a certain sense of déjà vu all over again, but that didn’t mean it still wasn’t special.

For the seven members of King Township council, all of whom spoke to a three-quarters full Country Day School auditorium to family, friends and township staff, it was a night for celebration.

Mayor Steve Pellegrini, who was acclaimed for his second term to the top job, expressed his thanks to his family, friends and gave special thanks to the township staff he works so closely with each day.

The mayor also made it clear he and his council colleagues are only partway through a long-term goal of strengthening the township.

“The past term was about laying the groundwork in dealing with development pressures; the coming term will be about innovation, partnerships and building on momentum we’ve created. There are great times ahead in King Township,” said Pellegrini.

“I am humbled by my own acclamation as mayor and I believe it’s a direct result of the good work and cohesion around our council table. This solid working relationship along with renewed community engagement will set the tone for the coming term.

“As we enter this next stage of council, I’m heartened and excited by the fact that this group of committed, community-minded individuals showed the promise rarely seen in municipal government. We will bring together each individual’s strengths and knowledge base in being King’s biggest cheerleaders.”

King City Councillor Cleve Mortelliti was also acclaimed, like the mayor, and referred to that fact in his lengthy inaugural speech.

“I think an acclamation for mayor is a huge deal. Not everybody is happy with everything we do, but you think that might motivate someone to step forward. I think (the mayor’s acclamation) is a huge reason why we have such a cohesive council. Steve and I had a healthy competition in trying to get a good grocery store to the new plaza at King and Dufferin.

“I even went down to Pusateri’s to try to get them to come to King City, while Steve went after Loblaw’s and Fortino’s, but it was Steve who finally went to Louis Coppa, from there things fell into place. One of its first new stores will be built right here in King City.”

Newcomer David Boyd was simply happy to take his place at the council table with the veterans.

“I’m excited to be joining such a great team of council and staff. I’m honoured that the voters of Ward 2 gave me the privilege to represent Laskay and Nobleton on council,” said Boyd, who thanked everyone who helped him get elected.

For the dean of King Township council, Linda Pabst, this was the seventh time she’d been sworn in and her 20th anniversary on council.

“Experience matters and it does. I plan to use my experience and knowledge to be the best representative for the residents of Ward 3 and will be a voice of reason at the council table. Rural King has a special place in my heart. I will endeavor to maintain its rural character,” said Pabst.

Schomberg Councillor Bill Cober pledged to keep up the effort he’s provided for several terms now for his constituents.

“I look forward to continuing our work together for the future of our community as your councillor to enhance our community and continue to foster and build positive relationships with individual residents, community groups, the business community, township staff and other levels of government is exciting work,” said Cober.

King City and Kettleby Councillor Debbie Schaefer delivered a thoughtful and considered speech about why she decided to get into politics in the first place.

“I’m surprised to be here this evening. This comment is not in reference to the recent election. It’s about the fact, that, when I was a younger woman, when I was thinking of my life plan, municipal politics and municipal issues never were identified as an interest area. But as we learn, not everything goes according to the life plan. In 2003, there was a wonderful coincidence of events for me. I retired from a successful corporate career and I returned to Canada having lived away for 10 years except for very short visits and I moved to beautiful King Township.

“I soon realized that the GTA was dramatically changing very quickly. No longer did the urban world of Toronto clearly stop just north of the 401. Sprawl was creeping north… This beautiful place was at a critical point in its evolution. Either it would become just another place with a few artifacts of the past, with big villages, maybe even with a small town or two populated with people working elsewhere or it would continue to be a place offering the opportunity for a unique lifestyle in harmony with its natural heritage but in tune with the reality of living in close proximity of a large cosmopolitan city and other fast-growing urban centres…I decided I really wanted to get involved and I sought election in 2010,” said Schaefer.

And finally, Avia Eek, who represent northeast King Township, talked about her role as a farmer and, as usual, couldn’t resist a few jokes in her address to the crowd.

“Thanks to my family for putting up with me during the campaign. You guys all see the smiley happy face; they live with me. This election was in the middle of our harvest and harvest being late this year, that meant me, the main tractor driver, well it was challenging trying to balance harvest and visiting residents, farmers and business owners in Ward 6.

“My husband Bill was chomping at the bit, I only had three of the six weeks to be out there campaigning, but Bill was chomping at the bit, ‘Gotta get the carrots out, gotta get the carrots out,’ and I’m like, ‘Please, please, can’t we just wait until after Oct. 27, then I’m all yours,’ so thanks for your patience sweetie.”