GARY ZALEPA SEEKS LORD MAYOR SEAT

ZALEPA BECAME THE TOWN'S REGIONAL COUNCILLOR IN THE 2018 MUNICIPAL ELECTION

Gary Zalepa is looking to move from his role as Niagaraon-the-Lake's regional councillor, to the town's lord mayor, in the upcoming municipal election.

Zalepa filed his nomination papers on Wednesday, May 11.

Having served on the town's council for six years, and with the region for four, Zalepa said he'd like to give back to his community in a different way.

"I really want to get energized behind something, and I feel for me that would be giving back time into my town and into my local community," he said. "I really feel like it's the best way I can contribute."

He said while he's really enjoyed his time at the region, he hopes to take what he learned there and put it to work for the town.

If elected, Zalepa said he'd like to work with council to develop a key set of priorities and work toward common goals.

"That becomes that voice for council to speak through the mayor's office so when the mayor goes to these meetings, they're speaking on behalf of council."

He also thinks Niagara-onthe-Lake needs to work on attracting business investments.

"We just need to get a little more strategic on what kind of employers we want to attract here, and make sure that we have a plan to actually go after them."

In addition, he said Niagaraon-the-Lake's housing need isn't being met.

"When people's housing costs are exceeding 30 per cent, we get into what's called core housing need. We have that in Niagaraon-the-Lake," he said. "Many people sometimes don't see our community as that, but there's definitely a need."

He said the town needs better policies around the existing housing stock and creating more diverse forms of housing.

Potential candidates have until Aug. 19 to file nomination papers. The 2022 municipal election will be held Monday, Oct. 24.