Welland Mayor made the announcement, while rejecting a request by council to return powers to it
Chants of "shame" filled a packed Welland city council meeting last week after the Mayor revealed he would accept Strong Mayor powers from the province, in a bid to speed up home building in Ontario.
He made the announcement as he rejected a request by council to return power to it.
Frank Campion's decision did not sit well with those who showed up, who also accused him of threatening democracy. "If you make noise, it's not going to change my decision, so we need to carry on with our council meeting, so if you wish to stay that's fine."
Councillor Mary Ann Grimaldi addressed concern the mayor will do some dastardly deed with the authority, which she doesn't believe he would.
Councillor Graham Speck says the powers go beyond building homes.
The mayor excused himself from debate on the motion, citing conflict of interest. The motion was from Councillor Bonnie Fokkens. "The provincial government is, in effect, muzzling the voice of municipal council, and also, in effect, taken away the voice of the people, and wielding the power all to the mayor. This is not what the people of Welland voted for."
Councillor Leo Van Vliet, one of 4 councillors to vote against the motion, said the mayor will not have absolute power, while Councillor John Chiocchio, who voted yes, said democracy is 50-percent plus one.
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