Black delivers pep talk to her supporters at fund-raiser
By Bill Rea

Mayor Margaret Black addressed her supporters at a fund-raising event Thursday night.

The race for mayor of King Township hit the ground Thursday night as incumbent Margaret Black addressed a room filled with supporters at Carrying Place Golf and Country Club.

Black stressed the accomplishments that have been achieved in King over the 12 years she's been in office in her talk to about 260 supporters, commenting on the hard work that has gone in to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the area, while encouraging business and the agricultural community. "King is a perfect blend of our future and our past," she declared.

She also pointed out local official plans have combined with legislation governing the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt to turn King into "a virtual Central Park in Southern Ontario." This is the time to build upon those foundations to preserve the green corridor for future generations, she asserted. Black wondered if her greatgreat grandchildren will be able to enjoy this scene.

As well, Black commented on the funds that have come into King from the other levels of

government over the current term; more than $5 million, which she said is a first in the history of the Township.

That included the $1 million that York Region put up for the acquisition of 170 Nobleton acres from Slokker Canada, as well as another $1 million that came from the City of Toronto. The Region also came up with $1.5 million to help reduce the costs residents of King City are being put to for their sewer system, and another $200,000 was obtained toward the water supply system in Ansnorveldt.

"I fought hard to get

"Our King is financially sound and well managed," she added, pointing out the municipal reserves have almost doubled in the time she's been in office. "We have consistently balanced our budgets every year and achieved favourable independents financial management reports from our auditors."

Black also commented on last year's King Summit, which she called a "visionary exercise to plan for the future." A number of topics discussed at the summit have already been acted upon, she said, including arts events, protecting green space and the establishment of a committee to look into seniors' housing issues.

In addition, she commented on her successful efforts to improve ambulance service in King City, as well as the establishment of emergency master plans, something that was not in place when she became mayor.

"Village and streetscapes are more beautiful now than they were 12 years ago," Black declared. "Just last week, King was awarded five blooms in this year's national Communities in Bloom competition, a accomplishment we can all be proud of."

"The judges commented in their report about the beauty of our community, that everyone seemed to know one another and the warm sense of friendship that exists," she added. "They also complimented us on our environmental practices and our rural life."

Black stressed she's committed to maintaining the quality of life and preserving green spaces in King.

"The next few years will be crucial to King and you

will need a strong, trustworthy, experienced mayor with a proven track record to stand up to the pressures around us," she remarked. "King is my home, as it is yours. We have all worked toward a healthy, sustainable and charitable community in which to raise our families, enjoy our recreational facilities and retire."