KAGAWONG—Ian Anderson, the former mayor of Billings Township, has been appointed by council as the new councillor for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term of council. However, it took the pulling of Mr. Anderson’s name card out of a container (by the township clerk) along with fellow candidate John Foster’s name to break the tie vote of council members.
Council appointed Mr. Anderson to the vacant council seat during a council meeting held on February 6, where six candidates had put their name forward for the seat left vacant by former councillor Jim Cahill who resigned in December. Each candidate had the opportunity to present a 10-minute speech to council. The candidates included Ian Anderson, William Gerald Concannon, Marc Anthony DiLello, Deborah Flaxman, John Foster and Michael Toppazzini.
After each candidate gave their speech and were asked two questions by each of the current councillors, a vote took place on the candidates by council members. A tie vote took place with Councillor Michael Hunt and Mayor Bryan voting in favour of Mr. Anderson and Councillors Vince Grogan and Dave Hillyard voting in favour of Mr. Foster.
In his submission to council Mr. Anderson said, “Good evening, your worship and councillors. It is my privilege to be considered for this vacant councillor position for Billings Township. In addition to my personal statement, which is included in tonight’s agenda, I have a little more to add at this time.”
“I currently sit on the Lake Kagawong Resource Committee,” said Mr. Anderson. “In addition to ensuring the wise use of this significant inland water body, I believe we need to remain vigilant to protect the lakes water quality.”
“It is far easier to protect water quality than to rehabilitate a water body if it becomes polluted. Public education is key to ensure our fresh water remains fresh,” said Mr. Anderson.
Mr. Anderson recently participated in a Zoom meeting with Steve Lichty, lead consultant for Capital Part Consulting whose company is preparing Billings Township’s new strategic plan. “It was a great exchange of ideas with five other engaged members of our municipality,” he said.
“The information already assembled in the interior report No. 1 was most interesting and confirmed a number of things going on in Billings,” continued Mr. Anderson. “Our growth in the last 4-5 years is remarkable. Some report in excess of 20 percent (permanent residents). With growth comes the need for more services.”
“Our aging population was confirmed with approximately 53 percent of our permanent population being 55 years or older. This clearly suggests to me that we need to plan more for the elderly soon,” he said.
Mr. Anderson said, “Our asset management plan needs to be an integral part of our new strategic plan. We need to plan better for long range asset maintenance/report and replacement.”
“Waste management is ongoing and I applaud the current efforts of this council and their lead as we collectively—with our neighbours on Manitoulin—work toward a more sustainable and greener future,” said Mr. Anderson.
“I have always had a deep interest in public service and municipal politics,” said Mr. Anderson, noting both his grandfather and father were councillors and reeves of the joint township called Belmont and Methuen. His father went on to be warden of Peterborough county.
Since his term as Billings mayor ended, Mr. Anderson said he has continued to keep himself informed on the significant topics being addressed by council.
“I believe that a member of council should be an effective communicator and a listener, work well in a team environment in council and with staff, work toward long range planning in an affordable manner to further the township strategic plan, explore all reasonable options for long-term waste management, ensure the taxpayers are updated in a timely fashion on capital projects, be a strong supporter of our library, museum and our townships recreational programs, ensure that our roads remain safe and well-maintained, ensure we have good fire protection and support our excellent team of volunteer fire-fighters, and that council be accessible and accountable,” he shared with council.
“I would like to thank everyone for putting your names forward. It was with a great deal of difficulty that we have made a decision,” said Mayor Barker. “And I want to thank everyone in the crowd for being in attendance here tonight, for this very important consideration. On behalf of council, I want to welcome Mr. Anderson to council. His past experience and extensive knowledge of the township will be a benefit at the council table.”
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be back on Billings council,” said Mr. Anderson. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to serve the community and will make one promise, and that is to do my best for the residents and the future of Billings.”
