When certain mayors were given “strong mayor powers,” my initial thought was why have councillors when the mayor, if he  wishes  is able to overturn their decision.

Recently, the Ontario provincial government has decided that regional council shall be made up of 12 mayors and a regional chair. This would result in the loss of our elected regional rep., the voice of the people at region.

Our mayor, during the last election insisted that the mayor’s job was part-time, discovering after a month that he required an assistant to help deal with the work load.

If regional council is made up of 12 mayors who are overworked, how can they possibly take on a regional council job which also includes choices of sitting on approximately seven various committees.

To further water down the illusion of democracy, the regional chair, who is also given strong mayor powers, is to be a provincial government appointee with little knowledge of our town. This is known as consolidating power.

Why have the charade of a regional council? Mayors with strong mayor powers can over-ride an elected local council.

In turn, the appointed regional chair with strong mayor powers is able to over ride the 12 elected mayors with strong mayor powers.

Who wins? Obviously our provincial government, who will have protection from the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, which will be retroactive in excluding the premier, his cabinet and their staff. Their Bill 97 also includes 16 other laws.

We must remain cognizant that provincial policies include increased density and height, loss of heritage structures and loss of open space and tree cover. What about the needs of local residents?

I can not believe that the Niagara mayors are celebrating the province for this decision. I thought this started out to be made in Niagara, for the people of Niagara by the mayors of Niagara decision.