by Kevin Vallier, Niagara Independant
Niagara Regional Council decided last Thursday to look into the formation of a governance committee and to consult Niagara’s 12 chief administrative officers after considering St. Catharines Councillor Laura Ip’s motion for a citizen elected Regional Chair.
“I think it’s long past time to hear directly from the citizens of Niagara as to what they want,” Ip told Council.
“This is a 50 year corporation running now and most corporations don’t do the same thing all the time.” St. Catharines Councillor George Darte said as the seconder of Ip’s motion. “When you’re standing still you’re going backwards as far as I’m concerned. I look at it as moving forward.”
In the end Ip’s motion was referred to the Region’s corporate serves committee to allow for a broader look into Niagara Region’s governance system and to provide opportunity for public consultation.