Ward 1 issues debated over two nights
By Bill Rea

There have been a couple of debates featuring council candidates for Ward 1, but only two of the candidates have attended.

Stephen Kornblum has not been at any of them, owing partly to family issues.

But Cleve Mortelliti and Liina Peacock have squared off a couple of times.

Mortelliti, who spoke first at last Monday's session hosted by the King Township Chamber of Commerce in Ansnorveldt, stated he has lived in King City since 1972, growing up in what was then rural King.

He also told the audience at King City Community Centre and Arena Thursday night that he remembered when that building first opened, recalling it was cooperation and community spirit of local seniors and Lions that made it possible.

"I'm in my home rink, just as proud to play for my home town as i was then," he declared.

He said he sympathizes with people who want to keep the area rural.

He was the Township's engineering administrator for two years, working in the operations department, delivering services to the area.

Mortelliti declared that King City is at a cross roads, with the next four years being pivotal, with growth pressures that could double the village's population in the next seven years, bringing a lot more cars to local roads.

Some change can be beneficial, but at significant costs, he warned.

Mortelliti called for the rewriting of the bylaw dealing with residents connecting to the new sewer system in the village so people won't be forced to sell their homes.

He also said the quality of the workmanship in the village must be verified before contractors are released from their obligations.

As well, he asserted that seniors must not be forced out.

Peacock, in her opening remarks, stressed the importance of protecting the rural heritage, green space and lifestyle of the village.

She also spoke about her involvement in the community, including attendance at council meetings and her involvement with the King Township Chamber of Commerce. She chaired the economic development committee of the Chamber and she said she pushed to have the Township hire an economic development officer.

Peacock also spoke on her involvement with three regional policing committees, and pointed out she received an award earlier this year at the Township's volunteer recognition evening.

Peacock also spoke of adhering to the Township's Official Plan, as well as the plans governing the Oak Ridges Moraine and the provincial Greenbelt, as well as the need to support local businesses while attracting new ones to the area. That means enhancing the village design guidelines.

As well, she commented on the need to fund recreation facilities and to address the need for alternate routes for traffic, as well as to have infrastructure than meets the demands of tomorrow.

She told the King City audience a plan needs to be put in place for the village core, and she promised to work with Township staff to bring in appropriate businesses to reduce the residential tax burden.

As well, she commented on the need for seniors' housing so these people can remain an integral part of the community.

Peacock told one of the questioners from the floor in Ansnorveldt that traffic woes are getting worse in the village. It's not safe to cross King Road any more, and she said the Chamber has had discussions with York Region about a bypass.

Mortelliti said he supports diverting traffic to Bathurst Street, adding the village shouldn't have to deal with the volume that it does.