Former councillor a resident watchdog

May 7, 2013 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
Call him opinionated, even a thorn in King council’s side.
But one thing Jeff Laidlaw is not is apathetic.
The admittedly cynical former councillor continues to attend council meetings and public events. He frequently comments on planning issues and is always ready to voice his concerns.
He may raise an eyebrow or two, but concerned citizens like Laidlaw are few and far between.
Laidlaw says he continues to pay attention to all the pertinent issues in King, makes suggestions to councillors and staff, finds efficiencies and offers up ideas that are “outside of the box.”
He’s armed and ready to engage in any discussion and debate any policy issue. As a regular critic of local planning matters, Laidlaw hopes his input is appreciated.
For him, it’s a matter that the political arena still entices him. “Once you’ve been in politics, I don’t think it ever leaves you,” he observed.
He’s pored over literally thousands of documents and staff reports over the years and he’s simply in the habit of continuing this pastime, to keep abreast of local issues.
A common face in the audience at King council meetings, he believes the current crew is hitting their stride. While he does admit the current councillors and staff are doing their jobs, not everything is rosy.
There are several different Ontario Municipal Board hearings on tap and with costs for legal expertise, consultants and staff time at upwards of $500,000, it’s a substantial amount of money the municipality simply can’t afford to spend.
Laidlaw said historically, King hasn’t gone to the OMB very often, instead trying to compromise and “get the best deal we can” from applicants.
The development industry knows about King’s unique character and its policies. Councillors try to be amiable, but Laidlaw points out some may be “naive” as to the “lengths some (developers) will go to get their way.”
Laidlaw sees municipal finances as the biggest challenge.
He said there’s a “misguided notion” that development will pay its way in the future in King. The Township, he said, has estimated some $53 million in development charges will fill municipal coffers in the years to come, but there’s more than $100 million in future spending. This, he said, threatens the future viability of the Township.
Needed road work and King’s outstanding debt load present more challenges.
Admittedly, the current administration inherited much of these, and Laidlaw said the Township’s financial management has been an issue for some time. Politicians, he said, were often soft on tax increases to appease the voters, but now they have to catch up.
Laidlaw moved to King in 1997 for its open spaces and unique rural character. He followed local politics from the outset and became involved in the “big pipe” issue in King City.
He entered the foray and defeated Councillor Peter Grandilli, to capture the Nobleton (Ward 2) seat in 20006. He served until 2010.
Motivated by the idea that King can be a better place, he’s constantly scanning agendas and looking for “solutions.” He’s always been driven by truth. Politics can, however, “beat you down.”
He discovered during his term that knowledgeable staff is invaluable. One of his most memorable moments came during a public meeting in Nobleton when he received a round of applause from a packed house of residents. That was rewarding, since politicians always strive to do what’s in the best interests of their constituents.
The public places its faith in the elected representatives, who rely on the expert advice of staff. They don’t always see eye to eye.
He still gets frustrated when “someone asks an intelligent question and there’s no answer.”
Laidlaw praises the current council for being more open and encouraging public engagement, even if it doesn’t always change the end result.
The Sustainability Plan, he said, is a great guiding document, but he hopes it retains its goals and strength as it’s carried out in the years to come.
Times are definitely changing in King, and it’s still about balance.
Laidlaw is pessimistic that he won’t recognize the King he loves in 10 years from now.
Maybe that’s why he’s always on guard.