The mayor of the Region of Queens says he’s proud of his last four years as mayor.
The current council was sworn-in just months after the closure of the Bowater Mersey Paper Mill in 2012.
Christopher Clarke says there was initial panic but feels the community is thriving.
“We have become more dynamic in our thinking and certainly much more positive as a community and you can see the results when you’re downtown you can feel the results that things are better.”
Clarke says Queens Place Emera Centre has been an asset, despite its deficit.
He says it provides a huge economic impact with concerts, hockey games and special events.
Clarke says the new council will have challenges.
He points to voter turnout in this month’s municipal election as a disappointment.
“There is a challenge to make the public in Queens see the municipal government as being meaningful, being important and being their government.”
The voter turnout for mayor was only 37.8%.
Clarke says it will also be challenging to continue improving the economic growth in Queens.
He says public service has been rewarding and he hopes to continue working on community projects.
