Mayor, councillor look forward to coming term

September 17, 2014 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
King Township’s mayor has been returned to office, without a campaign being waged.
Mayor Steve Pellegrini was acclaimed in his re-election bid and will continue serving King for another four years.
He said he’s absolutely thrilled to be given the mandate to serve again. He exudes passion for his role, which he calls “the best thing in the world.”
He and council over the past term have spent a lot of time putting a “game plan” together and he wants to “complete the list.”
He’s looking forward to another four great years.
Pellegrini was elected mayor in 2010, defeating long-serving Margaret Black by almost 600 votes. Gordon Craig and Jeff Laidlaw rounded out the mayor’s race that year.
It’s rather rare for a GTA mayor to be returned to office by acclamation. Mississauga’s Hazel McCallion did it twice in the 1980s.
For the second election in a row, Ward 1 Councillor Cleve Mortelliti has been acclaimed. He had no opposition in 2010 either.
He said he was a ready for a battle and admitted the final week before the candidate deadline was tense. He’ll now be able to “get some sleep.”
He believes his acclamation is a sign that he’s doing a good job; something to be proud of.
“I feel like I have helped a lot of people,” he said.
During the past term of council, they’ve had to wrestle with some tough issues.
He still plans to head out into the community and meet with residents, especially those new to King, to introduce himself.
Ward 3 Councillor Linda Pabst, King’s longest-serving politician, is being challenged by John Workman.
Pabst successfully fought off challenges by Jeff Jackson and Judith Link in 2010, earning more votes than the other two combined.
Ward 5 Councillor Debbie Schaefer is battling Anna Roberts and Chris Gafoor for the council seat. Both challengers came forward on Friday, the final day to register.
In 2010, Schaefer defeated Paul Greco by almost 400 votes.
Ward 2 will see the most action in a five-way race for the seat.
Veteran Councillor Peter Grandilli will take on challengers Jim Streb, Joe Buscema and David Boyd.
In 2010, Grandilli edged out Jim Streb by roughly 60 votes. Rene Bindi placed third in the race that year.
In Ward 4, incumbent Bill Cober will once again meet hopeful Greg Locke.
In 2010, Cober bested Locke 1,256 votes to 535.
Ward 6 incumbent Avia Eek will face competition in Simon Lloyd this year.
In 2010, Eek upset long-time councillor Jack Rupke, winning 350 to 209.
Peter Adams-Luchowski, who took over as trustee at the York Region District School Board, is taking on Liliana Usvat and Alex Noudelman for the position.
Elizabeth Crowe, trustee and chair of the York Region Catholic District School Board, is facing off against newcomer Mark Sullivan.