Women, diversity on new Markham city council

YorkRegion.com
Dec. 3, 2014
Brea Bartholet

While they number only four of 13, Markham’s new city council has the most women ever, the city’s mayor said at the newly elected politicians’ swearing-in ceremony.

“I believe this council represents the wonderful diversity in our city and I believe we may have made history because I think this is the most women we’ve ever had,” Mayor Frank Scarpitti said after accepting the chain of office for the third straight time.

His comment was followed by an eruption of applause and cheers.

Anticipation ran high Monday evening as hundreds gathered in celebration at the Flato Markham Theatre.

Friends, family and supporters filled the seats to commemorate a new chapter — and three new councillors — marking the start of the 2014-18 city council term.

All 13 members entered the theatre in unison, swiftly taking their seats at centre stage.

Following the national anthem — performed by local musical talent Shaina Sammone — and inaugural prayer by Father Marcos, each councillor recited the oath of office before the Honourable Alan Diner of the Federal Court of Canada.

Nirmala Armstrong, one of four regional councillors, made reference to the fact that she is now among a more female-oriented council.

“Yes, it’s been a long run for me. I ran in previous elections and I’ve never seen so many strong women in the campaign as I have this year,” she said.

“I am ready to work.”

Karen Rea, who beat out Ward 4 incumbent Carolina Moretti, and Amanda Collucci, who will represent Ward 6, both shared their excitement to be part of a mixed council.

“I’m honoured to have this position. Today marks a very important day in my life and I will keep my promise to be open, accountable and transparent,” said Rea during her address to the crowd.

Collucci shared her gratitude by dedicating her win to the community.

“I am very excited, as this is my first time running. I’m grateful to have so much support and I look forward to working with this new council.”

While most incumbents kept their speeches focused on heartfelt thank-yous and desired goals for this term, Ward 3 councillor Don Hamilton shared his sense of humour right off the bat.

“There was an ugly rumour going around that I was sleeping with my campaign manager,” he said.

“I just want to confirm that rumour, because my campaign manager was my wife.”

During his inaugural address, Scarpitti spoke of parents, Antonio and Lucia, as being his inspiration to stay on course with his career.

He dedicated his victory to his mother, who passed away earlier this year.

Among his list of inspiring individuals were William Berczy and his group of settlers, who established the land we now know as Markham.

Scarpitti used the occasion to unveil an upcoming city project.

“I am pleased to announce I have secured a generous donation for a bronze statue of William Berczy,” he said. It will commemorate Markham’s 220th anniversary and the 270th anniversary of William Berczy’s birth.

The statue will stand at the northeast corner of Kennedy Road and 16th Avenue and will sit atop a 7-ft. bronzed base. The base and two separate bronze columns will highlight etched replicas of Berczy’s most famous paintings.

The area surrounding the statue will be named Berczy Square.

Special speaker Lorne Smith, Markham’s official historian, shared a few highlights in honour of the growing city’s 220th anniversary.

He concluded by presenting Mayor Scarpitti with a hard copy of Markham’s historic accomplishments, largely based around the well-known Reesor family.