Council long-timer Peter Gilliland says he’s glad the election campaign is coming to an end.
“I think we could spend our efforts more productively,” St. Clair Township’s Deputy Mayor explains, adding he’s to be re-elected to another term Oct. 22. He’s hoping voters will see him as the logical choice for the second-in-command seat.
“I’ve been on council for 15 years and I’ve never had a wish to be mayor,” Gilliland says. “We have a solid mayor and I’m a good support to him.”
Bringing reliable high-speed Internet to all corners of the township is the retired Bayer administrator’s goal. “We’re striving for a solution,” he explains. “People in the outlying areas need it for sure.” Talks continue with Internet providers.
Revamping the Moore Sports Complex and fixing the “badly dated” clubhouse at the nearby golf course are second on his list of goals.
The 50-year-old arena has an old-ammonia system, which is “dangerous” Gilliland explains, and steps need to be taken.
“It needs major work on the refrigeration system,” he says of the arena, adding the golf clubhouse operation needs a new approach, which could include a facility that runs 12 months a year.
The current building is not properly winterized, he says.
Gilliland says he doesn’t mind scrutiny of being in the political limelight and wishes more people would attend council meetings.
“They would be better informed to ask relevant questions,” he adds.
The people who give their volunteer their time to service groups and causes top the list of the best things about St. Clair Township, Gilliland notes.
“We could hardly do it without them,” he says. “They are the glue of the whole place.”
The waterfront and park areas in St. Clair are also unparalleled, Gilliland notes, adding the municipality hasn’t really “exploited them” yet.
“We need to make use of our beautiful river.”