Bolton councillors push for recreation centre
By MARK PAVILONS

Annette Groves was busy receiving results at her campaign office during election night.

Bolton's newly elected councillors are anxious to get to work, fulfill some priorities and be accountable over the next four-year term on Caledon council.

The support for regional councillor Annette Groves was evident at the early stages during election night, as her downtown Bolton campaign office was packed with supporters and well wishers. Groves was on pins and needles election day, noting you can never take anything for granted. When the results came in shortly before 9 p.m., a loud cheer erupted.

Groves thanked her supporters, and admitted it's been a long journey for some of them. Groves earned 3,233 votes and 70.6% of the vote.

Groves said to her, this is more than a job. "It's more than that. I don't take it lightly," she said. She also urged her constituents to hold her accountable for the next four years.

Groves said she's always been accessible and vows to do the best she can with the resources available, to the best of her ability.

Groves reflected on the 2006 campaign, noting it was very interesting and a lot of work. She said she approached this campaign like all others - she worked hard, took nothing for granted and got to the doors.

The reception from residents was good and they were candid about local issues. Traffic and a lack of recreation facilities in Bolton were both high on people's priorities. Groves said she will push for solutions in these areas when council resumes.

She observed the Town won't have to bear the burden of funding an expensive recreation centre, noting there are private investors who are interested and "ready to talk." She said they are willing to build and operate the facility, making it a win-win situation for everyone.

Bolton merchants would also like to see improvements and she's more than willing to sit down with them, and the newly formed Bolton Merchants Association, to talk about the issues.

She admitted there are big challenges ahead at the regional council table. This term marks a shift in power, with Mississauga adding two new councillors and Brampton one. This, she observed, means if Caledon and Brampton combined vote together on matters, Mississauga carries an equal number of votes, meaning the regional chair may be called upon time and again to break the deadlock.

With regards to the election of regional chair, it will be done by secret ballot during the inauguration night, Dec. 7 at Rose Theatre in Brampton.

Locally, Groves said she hopes the new Caledon council will be very productive. The issues are evident, and she's looking forward to working with the new councillors. She knows all about the initial learning curve that three newcomers will go through. Groves said she was lucky in that she had a great mentor, former councillor Ian Sinclair, who impressed upon her you have to be focussed; know why you're there, and stay grounded.

She's there to represent her constituents and she will continue to build relationships and work in our best interests.

Jason Payne, the new Bolton councillor, said while he was pleased with his victory it was somewhat tempered by the still-low

voter turnout (34.7% overall). He would like to see upwards of 40% hitting the polls. He's surprised that in Bolton more didn't come out to vote. He would also like to see the voting process reviewed, and perhaps tie in coded ballots (numbered with location) with the new electronic machines.

The campaign, he said, became fairly taxing in the final stages. The reception at the door was positive, but Payne said he noticed most residents commented about personalities and few real issues surfaced.

One of his priorities, which he mentioned during the campaign, is to push for another sports complex for Bolton.

His employer has given him the time necessary to meet his commitments and Payne noted in a way, his employer can give back to the community.

He's looking forward to building partnerships and come together with his fellow councillors and focus on a positive vision for Caledon.