Stoney Creek incumbents to run again
By Abigail Cukier, News Staff
News
Jan 08, 2010
http://www.stoneycreeknews.com/news/article/199332
All three Stoney Creek councillors intend to run again in this year’s municipal election on Oct. 25.
Ward 11 Councillor David Mitchell says he cares too much about his community to stop working on council. He also thinks Hamilton needs his voice.
“I bring another perspective of the real world where I live,” he said, referring to the rural areas. “The knowledge I bring to the city as a farmer and businessman and the way things are done, that’s very valuable.”
Mitchell says his council colleagues sometimes need reminding that what works for the inner city or even the suburbs may not work for Winona, upper rural Stoney Creek or Glanbrook.
Looking ahead to 2010, Mitchell has a long list of what he is looking forward to seeing happen in his ward. These include the extension of Dartnall Road into the North Glanbrook Industrial Park.
He also would like to see the name of the development be changed to the Red Hill Business Park to make it more recognizable to companies outside of Hamilton and to highlight the Red Hill Valley Parkway access.
He is also eager to see the shovel in the ground for the Winona commercial development, which includes a Wal-Mart. The development is being challenged at the Ontario Municipal Board.
“I have no control over the Wal-Mart. I cannot control private sector investment, but I want to see commercial development started, as it is needed in the area and there are several locations where things could take place,” he said.
More park space for Winona, expansion of the Winona Seniors Centre, as well as development of the new Winona public school are also on his wish list.
Ward 10 Councillor Maria Pearson is excited about the year ahead and is working with staff to keep things moving on the capital works front.
“We will continue to see more urbanization. Those are the projects I like –where residents see their tax dollars at work and see the results,” she said.
Pearson said she received many compliments on the $3 million upgrades to Millen Road and is looking forward to work being completed on Margaret Avenue and Barton Street.
Without hesitation, Pearson says she will run for council again.
There has been talk that the Hamilton East-Stoney Creek federal Liberal riding association is considering Pearson as a nominee. She did not deny her interest.
“We will see what happens with that. But I love what I do. My heart is in Hamilton and Stoney Creek. I want to get things done here,” she said.
Ward 9 Councillor Brad Clark also has a lot on his list for 2010, including seeing planning for the lower Stoney Creek community centre completed.
The 29,000-square-foot, $13-million centre is slated to be built next to Stoney Creek Arena. The City of Hamilton received funding from the federal and provincial governments through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. As part of the grant requirements, the project must be substantially completed by next March.
Clark would also like to secure private or federal government funding for an interpretive centre at Battlefield House Museum and Park to be built in time for the War of 1812 bi-centennial celebration. He says the gateway at King Street and Centennial Parkway should be completed this year.
He also hopes the study into the Smith’s Knoll excavation will proceed and restoration to Green Acres pool will continue.
Clark also looks forward to approval from the minister of Municipal Affairs of the city’s designation of the Eramosa Karst feeder areas to be protected, as well as the province’s transfer of the land to the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
“If the land is not transferred, it may be protected but it will just sit there,” he said.
Clark registered as a candidate for Ward 9 on Tuesday, citing the projects mentioned.
“Clearly I am not done. There is an awful lot of work here. These projects have a lot of meaning for me and our community.
“
People have suggested to me running for mayor. While that’s flattering, at the end of the day, look at all the projects that are halfway or three-quarters of the way done in Ward 9. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to leave my constituents. I want to make sure these get completed.”
PHEW! No Brad Clark for Mayor.
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