Incoming lord mayor Vaughn Goettler wants answers about new Niagara regional chair Frank Campion’s position on amalgamation.
Campion, Welland’s outgoing mayor, was appointed by the province Tuesday, several months after reversing his support for a plan to replace Niagara’s 12 municipalities with four larger cities.
In February, Campion called the four-city model “the right path forward,” but by March, he was backing a proposal to keep all 12 municipalities intact while reducing the number of elected officials.
While Goettler said his initial reaction to the appointment was positive, he remains concerned about what it could mean for Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“I think amalgamation for Niagara-on-the-Lake is a clear and ever-present danger and that hasn’t changed,” he told The Lake Report.
Asked whether he trusts Campion’s commitment to preserving Niagara’s municipalities, Goettler said he needs to speak with him first.
“I’m not in favour of amalgamation, so I would need to speak with Frank and understand better what his view is as to how amalgamation would impact Niagara-on-the-Lake,” he said.
Goettler also expressed uncertainty about what the expanded powers granted to regional chairs could mean for NOTL.
In a statement Tuesday, Campion emphasized co-operation between the region’s municipalities.
“Our residents expect governments to work together, and that’s exactly how I intend to approach this role,” he said.
Campion said he wants to explore ways that municipalities can work together to improve services, but did not directly address amalgamation.
Outgoing lord mayor Gary Zalepa, who also sought the regional chair position, welcomed Campion’s appointment.
“I know Frank to be very competent and capable and he’s a champion for Niagara,” Zalepa said, noting the two worked together on regional council for eight years.
Zalepa said he wasn’t disappointed about not being selected and plans to congratulate Campion and offer his support.
Asked about Campion’s previous stance on amalgamation, Zalepa said he wants to see the new chair’s priorities before drawing conclusions.
Goettler said he remains optimistic about working with Campion despite his concerns.
“I don’t believe that somebody’s gain has to be at somebody’s total loss,” he said.
“So I think if we can sit down and talk, we will wind up with a good outcome.”
Campion did not respond to questions submitted by The Lake Report before press time. His office said he was out of town and unavailable for an interview.
