Grandilli rolls up his sleeves; seeks re-election

March 11, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
You have to give a little to get something in return.
And you have to fight for your constituents.
Those qualities drive Ward 2 Councillor Peter Grandilli, as he seeks re-election to council this fall.
Coming from the private sector, the Nobleton businessman knows what it takes to make a dollar. He’s a straight shooter, one who’s never afraid to say what’s on his mind, or fight for services and amenities for his Nobleton residents.
In fact, he’s known around the Township offices as being a bit demanding, always “complaining” that Nobleton isn’t high on their list of priorities. It is for him and he makes no bones about it.
If a sidewalk needs clearing, or the outdoor rink requires maintenance, Peter is quick to grab a shovel and roll up his sleeves. It may be an old school approach, but it often works. You do what you have to do.
He subscribes to the philosophy, “don’t just talk, act” and to always show your willingness to do something for your community.
The main reason he’s seeking re-election is to see his “dream” completed – the modernization and beautification of Nobleton.
Services (sewers) are almost done and the last installations should be finished by this summer.
He wants continued prosperity for the village and for Nobleton to become a destination.
It’s all coming together.
In the last term, Nobleton has seen its share of growth, both residential and commercial. The Fandor subdivision has grown and some 500 of the 700 homes are now built and occupied. The new plaza that’s home to No Frills will soon welcome the LCBO, Scotiabank and a retail centre. Businesses are being renovated and new ones are coming to the village.
But Grandilli still isn’t satisfied. He’s been asking for sidewalks on the south side of King Road for years. There has been some progress in the form of a study that was launched in 2013. It looks like they won’t become a reality until 2015, but he won’t give up the fight and he’ll continue to find ways to expedite the process.
The former St. Alban’s Church has been purchased and Grandilli is working to help find a compatible use for the building that fits in with the community.
The site of the former auto wreckers on King Road will be home to a new subdivision, and cleanup work is progressing.
A pharmacy and walk-in clinic is coming to a commercial building on Highway 27 and there are plans for a commercial operation on the corner of 27 and Norman.
“There’s a lot going on in Nobleton,” he said.
He’s working with Township staff on a new park in the Fandor subdivision and he’d like the islands in the turning circles fixed up this spring and summer.
He would like the Township to consider purchasing the old Nobleton public school on King Road and putting the site to good use. While it’s up for sale by the board, the Township has not had a chance to explore the opportunity.
Residents expect certain things for the taxes they pay, and he wants to deliver.
Grandilli believes he’s done a good job on council and he enjoys meeting people one-on-one to discuss issues. His phone is constantly ringing and he visits concerned citizens on a regular basis.
“I’m always available,” he said. “I’m likely the only councillor you see on a daily basis in his community,” he said.
Nobleton residents are a bit different from their counterparts across King, Grandilli observed and he admits he often does what he has to do to get things done.
Sometimes criticized for shooting from the hip, Grandilli is often brutally honest. Even though he sometimes finds himself on the outside, he will continue to get his point across in his own way.
He does believe King Township has to improve its customer service, and respond to residents in a timely and efficient manner.
Grandilli said he has a good working relationship wiht the current council, another venue where give and take is necessary.
It’s all about the taxpayers.
“My constituents have entrusted me to look after their interests,” he said.
So to him, complaining to staff, asking for more, is part of his role.
“That’s why they put me in there,” he observed.
And he’s found his niche in public service.