The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

New Whitchurch-Stouflviile Mayor Justin Aitmann sup- ported. then congratulated. his predecessor. Wayne Emmerson, on becoming York Region chairman and CEO last Thursday. Altmann said he was undecided who he would support one day before the vote. “it is gratifying to see a former longtime town mayor as the new head of York Regional council,‘ he said in a media release from the town. ‘i wish Chairman Emmer son every success and look forward to working with him throughout the 2014- 2018 regional council term." Altmann was also sworn in as one of 21 York Regional council members. He is one four new members. "i will continue to foster a positive relationship between our town and the region with the common goal of creating sustainable and inclusive communities while balancing the need for financial accountabile he said. His priorities include: - Housing and homelessness prevention - Ongoing construction of bus rapidways and subways into York ‘ Increased waste diversion -Sustainable development and protection oi-Agreenbeit areas ‘ Economic devetopment and bmadband strategies ALTMANN BACKS EMMEHSON ‘ BY LISA QUEEN lqueen(¢‘yrmg.mm Minutes before former Whitchurch- Stouffville mayor Wayne linnnerson was crowned as York Region's new chainmrson last Thursday night. soon-to-be runner up Newmarket Regional Councillor John Taylor delivered a speech that captured the mom's attention. "In a few short minutes. we're going to vote for the next chair of York Region and I'm not going to win that vote. Often. in the last few yards of the game, the score changes; dramatically" he said in what many called a classy concession speech at regional coun- cil's inaugural meeting in the council cham- bers of the headquarters in Newmarket. While Taylor said he respected the view of some of his supporters who advocated acclamation for the inevitable winner. he said he felt it was important he remain in the race. New chair Emmerson looks to second term Markham Regional Councillor Jim Jones York Regional council appoints former Writchurch-StouflVille mayor as its chairperson for 2014-2018 STAFF PHOYO/SUSIE KOCKERSCHEIDY 88m Newly appointed York Region chairperson Wayne Emmerson has the chain of office placed on him in the York council chambers in - Jim Mason Newmarket last Thursday. The former mayor of Whitchurch-Stouffvile received 16 votes to four for John Taylor of Newmarket. did bow out. leading to limmerson's lopsid- ed victory in which 'l‘aylor secured his own vote and those of Newtnarket Mayor Tony Van Bynen. Richmond Hill Regional (loun- cillor Brenda Hogg and Markham Regional Councillor lack lleath. while thc other 16 councillors â€"â€" including new Whitchurch- Stoulfvillc Mayor lustin Altlnann â€" voted for limmcrson. "I think the public needs to see a demo- cratic process take place." ’l‘aylor said. "Many people feel regional government is irrelevant or. at best. they think it is invis- ible or distant. In my opinion. an acclama- tion would only increase that perception. I decided I would stand for chair today because I think we need to talk about issues. we need to recognize there are significant opportunities and challenges ahead and that there are competing visions of how to proceed." Thylor, who later told Emmerson he has his full support. urged regional council to put more emphasis this term (m addressing human services. such as zifibrduhle housing. homelessness and seniors issues. "leery person in York Region is a pan of our l'mnilyffhe said. ‘ ' if you're a lowinmme resident or if you're homeless or if you're a senior than is stmggling. you need to know that you man- tvr and that your government is thinking about you." Amid the commony of the inaugural rimming; Whit 1 included councillors lwing‘ piped mm the uncil chambers by York Regional Police I i.-§gi. Per Planing. Iimmerson laid out iis priorities as régional chairperson. ‘ w v Residents and businesses are looking to council to maintain services and deliver in key areas such as growth management sus- tainubifity. transtmytation and congestion and affondable housing. he said. “We need to meet these expectations while keeping taxes low." he said. later tellâ€" ing lilylm‘ hv treasures his frivndship and luuks tbnvnrd to working with him on mun til. Being cliuiqwrson is similar in running the business of representing legionnl lux- pan'ers. he said. adding the jnh is uhnul ink ing (\lll'lllilll‘d risks. listening in eunslimenls‘ unil enllmgnes. heng t‘ullulmrntive. building on mlleelne \x‘istlmn and knnwing when u) ask l‘m‘ help. Hm I\ like!) the last time the regional Chilll‘pt‘INtm will be selected by councillors. us ll private member's hill introduced by New marketâ€"Aurora (iliris llulliird to make the ioli an elected position is expected to be adopted in" Queen‘s Park before the 20 l 8 municipal elections. Mu'r thv meeting. limnwrsun said he plam m wok clm‘iinn next wrm. whilv'l‘z lor and lnnvs would not rulv n mu. av