‘All kids park’ a priority for Benotto

October 15, 2014 · 0 Comments

Incumbent councillor Walter Benotto sees the creation of an all kids’ park, similar to the one in Orangeville, as one of his biggest challenges next term, should he be re-elected. He believes, “This type of park would offer a variety of recreational activities to children with and without disabilities.” He would also like to see the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex pool covered for all year round usage by Shelburne and area citizens.
Walter Benotto, currently retired, grew up in the township of Melancthon. He and his wife Anna have been married for 35 years and have two sons. Benotto is a graduate of Centre Dufferin District High School and of Sheridan College in Electronics Engineering Technology.
In his personal life, Walter Benotto says he has “taken on leadership roles such as coaching soccer, hockey, lacrosse and umpiring baseball.” He sat on the executive for Shelburne Minor Hockey and lacrosse and was Chair of both Hyland Heights and Centre Dufferin District High School parent councils, as well being a member of the Rotary Club for six years. Benotto also sat on the Library Board before becoming a councillor.
Below are Mr. Benotto’s responses to questions from the Free Press:
What specific skills do you bring to the position of councillor and how have you acquired and utilized those skills?
“I have served on Shelburne council for 15 years, which gives me both experience and knowledge to represent the citizens of Shelburne, and to get things accomplished. I have served on most of the boards and committees in Shelburne, including two terms as Chair of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, and the Lost Solider committee, which created a new cenotaph honouring all soldiers of every conflict and UN peacekeeping missions that Canada has participate in.”
What do you feel is an acceptable number of meetings for a member of Council to miss?
“As an elected official I don’t believe you should miss a meeting unless you are sick or some kind of emergency arises.”
What is the biggest challenge the Town will face in the next term? As a member of Council, how would you specifically deal with this and/or other challenges?
“The biggest challenges the Town will face in the next term will be the commercial developments at our eastern boundary. Our industrial lands need to be developed to create much needed employment and create more shopping within our community, creating a more vibrant downtown. We need to manage the growth that the Provincial targets have set out for the Town. Finally, we need to have more water storage, as we are currently at capacity, and seek the necessary grants for future development.”
Election Day is October 27th. If you are not on the voters list, visit the Town Hall to have your name added to the voters’ list. Advanced Polls are Saturday October 18th and Wednesday October 22nd from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advanced polls will be held at the Town Hall, 203 Main St. East in Shelburne.

By Marni Walsh