Dear editor:
Niagara-on-the-Lake used to have two representatives on regional council: our lord mayor and a directly elected representative. But when the new Niagara Regional Council meets for the first time on Nov. 26, our lord mayor will be our sole representative.
Also, all mayors’ votes won’t count equally then either. The three cities with the biggest populations will be able to dominate the other nine smaller municipalities as they have been handed an effective majority under the new weighted voting formula.
The head of the new council will be a (still to be named) appointed chair with new “strong chair” powers.
The alternative double-majority proposal (where motions would need to be approved both under the weighted-vote formula and by a majority of at least seven of the council members representing all 12 municipalities) is better than what the province plans to impose. The appointed chair should also only vote to break ties.
If this voting formula isn’t fixed, the three larger cities could misuse and abuse their new power, together with an appointed string chair, to impose an amalgamation that would see them annex their smaller neighbours.
NOTL is a unique place and has played a significant role in Canadian history. It must continue to exist as a separate municipality.
Steve McGuinness
Councillor-elect
Virgil
