Former Port Colborne councillor eyes mayor’s seat
Attracting new development and improving infrastructure will be two of Bill Steele’s priorities if he is elected mayor of Port Colborne.
The former city councillor served for 17 years, until 2014 when he didn’t seek re-election for business reasons. He has entered the race for the head of the local government.
Mayor John Maloney announced in March that he would not be seeking re-election on Oct. 22.
Having four years off from being an elected official, Steele said he is eager to re-enter the political arena.
“Now, I think it’s time to step back in and serve the residents,” he said in an interview on Monday.
Whether it’s housing in the form of apartments and condos, or commercial and industrial developments, Steele feels the city needs to expand, especially on the east side of the Welland Canal, a part of the community he said has untapped potential.
The city has been eyeing growth in the area north of Second Concession between the canal and Highway 140, one of the steps being a potential pipeline under the waterway connecting the east and west parts of Port Colborne, a move Steele is supportive of.
“Opening up the east-side canal lands is a huge priority for this community,” he said.
“That’s what it takes to keep moving.”
With nearly two decades as a
municipal politician on his resumé, spending time on regional boards and committees, he believes this puts him at an advantage when Port Colborne voters head to the polls in less than three months.
Also running for mayor in Port Colborne are Ron St. Jean and Betty Konc.
The last day to register as a candidate in the fall municipal elections is Friday.