I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is David West and I am the new councillor for Ward 4 in Richmond Hill.

When councillor Lynn Foster left her seat vacant in October, council decided to appoint an interim councillor. I was delighted to be the person chosen for the position.

I have lived and worked in Richmond Hill for most of my life and currently live in Ward 4 with my family. I have a long-term commitment to the town and, as such, have held many volunteer positions within it over the years.

Through this community involvement, I have developed a good grasp of the issues that concern my fellow Ward 4 residents. I have worked on these issues as a citizen, and I look forward to continuing this work as a councillor. It is an honour to represent this great part of our great town, and I look forward to helping make it a great place to live and work.

We face many issues in Ward 4, not the least of which is the daunting cleanup after the ice storm. This will be a challenge, but we intend to complete this task in a focused and efficient manner.

On a happier note, don’t forget to celebrate at the Richmond Hill Winter Carnival, Feb. 7 to 9, at Mill Pond Park. Many activities are planned for the whole family including on our beautiful frozen Mill Pond, live music, pancake breakfast, bed races, horse-drawn wagon rides, skydivers, face painting and carnival rides. For more info, visit www.wintercarnival.net.

Feel free to reach me at 905-771-2480 or via email at david.west@richmondhill.ca.