Mario Russo has formally launched his campaign for Mayor of Caledon, drawing roughly 400 people to an event in Bolton on June 4.
Russo, who previously ran for Regional Councillor, told the crowd the municipality needs leadership that can guide it through the significant growth ahead while protecting the character that draws people to the town, the Caledon Citizen reported.
In his speech, Russo said months of conversations with residents across Caledon had surfaced different communities, different stories and different priorities, but one consistent message.
People love Caledon, and they want leadership that will protect what makes Caledon special while dealing honestly with the challenges we have ahead.
Russo said residents want safer roads, traffic addressed, better infrastructure, stronger enforcement and protection of sensitive lands. He described the current term of council as a difficult one, saying the town is carrying the weight of past planning decisions made without enough regard for long-term impacts on residents, farmland, roads, safety and quality of life.
We cannot change yesterday, but we can decide to do it better the next time around.
"I am running for Mayor because I believe Caledon needs steady, practical experienced leadership for what comes next," Russo said.
Russo pointed to his background as his qualification for the job. He said he has built and operated small businesses for more than 20 years and brings 25 years of experience in real estate, property management, construction supervision and planning-related work. He pledged to make Caledon a better place for small businesses and entrepreneurs, promising a town hall that asks how it can help rather than deferring decisions.
Growth and the urban boundary
A central theme of the launch was Caledon's expected growth. Russo described the town as a greenfield growth community facing mandated growth that must also happen for its own sustainability. He said his priorities include infrastructure before growth and protecting the town's rural character — what he called its 80 per cent — while growing sustainably within the remaining 20 per cent, chiefly inside the urban boundary.
"I want people to understand that we're going to protect Caledon as we go through this process," Russo said. "We love the Caledon we have and we need to make sure we maintain that character as we go through the growing pains of going to the next level."
He said every hamlet and village in Caledon matters and would be one of his key goals as mayor.
No strong-mayor powers
Russo announced his first platform commitment at the event: he would not use strong-mayor powers. He said his job would be to work with the councillors residents elect, governing with them rather than above them.
"I make one promise to you all," Russo said near the end of his speech. "When you call, when you reach out, I'll be there."
Russo said the Bolton launch, which drew volunteers and supporters from across Caledon by conscious design, felt like a statement that "we're here as a united Caledon." He said the turnout was very humbling.
In the months ahead, he said he plans to knock on doors and speak with residents and business owners, letting what he hears shape his platform, which he will roll out gradually.
