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Ratepayers' group asks council to add Ward seat in Angus, drop deputy

The Angus Ratepayers Association (ARA) is requesting Essa Township consider eliminating the deputy mayor's position and replace it with an additional Ward councillor for Angus to recongize its growth since the current system was established in 1994.

The fledgling ARA, which reportedly includes former mayor David Guergis as a member, has its request on the council meeting agenda Wednesday night. However, it's included as a consent item which means it's recommended to be received for information.

In her letter to council, ARA president Tami Harry notes that the three wards were established when Baxter, Thornton, and Angus were closer in size than they are today.

"Ward One (1) Angus has tripled in population to the point that nearly half of all Township residents reside in Angus which enjoys a population of 8,723 according to the latest statistics available. The township population is 18505," writes Ms. Harry. "It is for this reason the Angus Ratepayers Association request a change for the next Municipal Election to ensure proper and fair representation."

The ARA, after much discussion with its membership) recommends the following:

• Many municipalities do not have Deputy Mayors
• The Township of Essa eliminate the position of Deputy Mayor
• The Township ofEssa replaces the position of Deputy Mayor with a ne\v Ward Council position by dividing Angus into two (2) Wards.
• There would be a Mayor and 4 Ward Councillors to represent Essa Township.
• The ARA does not feel that the Deputy Mayors position serves any real purpose.
• We recommend) meeting the requirements of the Simcoe County Act requiring two (2) elected officials from each Municipality to sit on Simcoe County Council, that the Ward Councillor receiving the most votes in the next election - be appointed to represent Essa on County Council."

Essa Mayor Terry Dowdall told Free Press Online via email this afternoon that he doesn't see the need to change the system right now.

"It seems to be working well at this time with great representation in each ward," he wrote. "Taxes are low, good services and happy with present arrangement. A deputy mayor position works well and council works for all the ratepayers."

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