Though it’s a bit after the fact, Centre Wellington is officially endorsing Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj’s election to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) board of directors and chairmanship of the FCM Ontario caucus.
Earlier this year, a new FCM board was elected and Ross-Zuj was elected to the board of directors and chair of the Ontario caucus for 2013-14.
The County of Wellington has approved a similar resolution endorsing and supporting Ross-Zuj and has approved supporting the costs associated with her attending the FCM’s board of directors meetings.
The FCM represents the interest of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction.
The board of directors is comprised of elected municipal officials from all regions and sizes of communities to form a broad base of support and provide FCM with the prestige required to carry the municipal message to the federal government.
Centre Wellington Township CAO Andy Goldie said, “We were very fortunate that [Ross-Zuj] was elected this year.”
He noted that typically the FCM asks for these endorsement reports prior to council members participating on the board.
“So we are a little bit late on this.”
He added the report makes it a bit more clear to council members as to what the mayor’s involvement with the board is.
“As you know the work on FCM and AMO brings back a lot of opportunities for this municipality with regard to grant funding, involvement in policy decisions at both the federal and provincial levels.
“It really gives us a chance to talk about our situation and our issues at the federal and provincial levels,” Goldie said.
He added, “Centre Wellington’s voice is being really well heard with regard to bridges and infrastructure funding, as well as the OLG and the Grand River Raceway.”
He noted there have been recent Ministry meetings regarding the Landmark Development (the Elora Mill and Little Folks properties) and other developers in Centre Wellington.”
Councillor Walt Visser said this is the first time the Ontario FCM caucus has been chaired by a small-town Ontario mayor.
“It is a real feather in your cap, your worship,” Visser told the mayor.
He said politicians now know Ross-Zuj by name and municipality.
“Centre Wellington is not just another number scheduled for a 15-minute sit down [with government representatives].”
That in itself is a valuable asset, Visser said.
Ross-Zuj said it was nice to have a resolution of council’s support.
She noted the county actually filled out the application process to be a board member, “but it’s really nice to have the support of my own council … if you vote for it.”
Council endorsed the resolution of support with no additional comment.
