(Posted 6:30 a.m., Feb. 2)
Watson throws hat into ring in Orléans
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

Jim Watson is all smiles as he registers to run for mayor in next fall's municipal election at the Orléans Client Service Centre on Monday. Fred Sherwin/Photo

Ottawa mayoralty candidate Jim Watson traveled to Orléans on Monday to register for next fall's municipal election in a move he said was symbolic of his desire to represent the entire city.

"One of the things I learned a long time ago was that the world doesn't revolve around city hall. I’m proud of some of the work I’ve done in the east end. Next door we have the YMCA being expanded. I was part of the government that helped make that happen. The Shenkman Arts Centre received funding from the province. I was part of that decision as well," said Watson, who recently resigned as Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Social Housing in the lead up to his running for mayor.

Watson is the five candidate to register for the mayor's race, which so far includes Bay Ward Coun. Alex Cullen and five lesser known individuals including Robert Gauthier, Jane Scharf, Sean Ryan, Stanley Pioro and Robert Larter. The incumbent Larry O'Brien has said he will decide whether or not he will seek re-election in June.

Watson isn't waiting for O'Brien to make up his mind. After signing the registration papers and handing over the $200 nomination few he went on the offensive stating that he wanted to end the chaos and lack of direction that is plaguing city council.

"(Residents) are dissatisfied with decisions that are made and reversed and I share their frustration. There seems to be no priority-setting at City Hall right now, and I think there is a sense of almost chaos and confusion, and there’s not the sense of co-operation you would expect from a city government. They're looking for someone who works well with others and I think I've been able to do that," said Watson who was mayor of the former City of Ottawa from 1997 to 2001.

Although Watson said he plans to take the next several weeks to consult with residents before issuing his platform, he did take a moment to comment on a couple of issues which are likely to be talked about a lot in the coming weeks and months including transit and taxes.

"Obviously there are some real challenges at OC Transpo. We need to sit down with staff and the users to figure things out because clearly the public is not satisfied with what's going on," said Watson.

As for the current mayor's infamous election mantra "zero means zero", Watson said he will take a different tack when it comes to taxes.

"Obviously, I’m not going to promise a ‘zero means zero,’” Watson said. “That was tried and obviously was not successful in the last four years. But at the same time I think the public understands that the price of gas and other costs go up, but it takes good leadership to contain those increases."

(This story was made possible thanks to thie generous support of our local business partners.)

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