New regional councillors anxious to work
Affordable housing is among the top issues for Welland regional councillor-elect Leanna Villella.
Villella, elected alongside Pat Chiocchio, said keeping taxes reasonable and affordable will be amongst her other priorities when she takes her seat at regional council.
“I’d like to keep seniors in their homes as long as possible, too.”
Villella and Chiocchio took Welland’s two directly-elected regional council seats from George Marshall and Paul Grenier.
“Honestly, as happy as I was that I won, I was just as sad for them not winning,” Villella said. “They have given so much to the city of Welland … they are both highly-qualified, experienced, caring individuals. I really felt for them.
“I’m so grateful, humbled and appreciative. I asked the people of Welland for a chance and I thank them for giving me the opportunity.”
Villella believes she was elected because voters were looking for a change and she made a connection with people while on the campaign trail.
“I’ve been a big part of the community without being elected and I think that played a big part. I think people thought, ‘If she cares this much, imagine what she could accomplish if elected,’”she said.
Ensuring Welland receives its fair share from the Region is something Villella will work toward as well. And she’d like to see Niagara Region come up with a 25-year plan.
“I don’t want to see councillors coming in in four years and having to start all over.”
Chiocchio said he worked very hard on his campaign before last Monday’s municipal elections. Part of his campaign was based on the need for change at the Region, especially given what has taken place over the past four years.
“We need to focus on the issues at hand and not the infighting. When I was at people’s doors they were quite upset at what has been taking place,” he said.
Issues that he wants to take on once the new regional council is sworn in include infrastructure, long-term care for seniors, health care, supportive housing, the opioid crisis and mental health.
Having worked in long-term care with the Region, Chiocchio said he has experience that he’d like to bring to the committee that deals with those issues at the upper level.
“I’ve seen first-hand some of the concerns …” he said.
And with his experience at the Region and around the municipal council table, Chiocchio said he looks forward to working with both Mayor Frank Campion and Villella.
Chiocchio said he looks forward to choosing the new regional chair, as well.
“I’ll be looking for someone that has great leadership as well as communication skills.”