Neither of Pelham’s two representatives on regional council will contend for the regional chair position.
Mayor Dave Augustyn, who as mayor is one of 30 members of regional council, said he would not run.
He was just re-elected to his third term as mayor. He said it would not be fair to Pelham residents to contend for regional chair. If he was elected, it would leave a vacancy in the mayor’s position.
Regional council Brian Baty said he has been approached about the position but decided against it.
Four years ago, he was seriously injured in a household accident. During recovery, he promised himself not to take on more responsibility.
“The regional chair really is a full-time job,” he said.
Baty has served as Pelham’s regional councillor since the position was created in 2003.
Welland/Pelham Chamber of Commerce is a sponsor of a debate by regional chair candidates. It is planned for 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Gale Centre in Niagara Falls.
Only the 30 members of regional council vote for the regional chair. The debate is intended to draw attention to the position and process.
Regional council will select its chair in a meeting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 11. The inaugural meeting of regional council is at 4 p.m. when the new chair will give an inaugural speech.
The current chair, Gary Burroughs of Niagara-on-the-Lake, is seeking re-election. Traditionally, the chair has been elected to a second term.
In the 45 years of the region, no chair has been selected or elected from southern part of the region, which was Welland County before regional government in 1970.
Augustyn said he supports the chamber debate for its educational value. However, he remains reluctant to support a regionwide election for the regional chair.
