Local Mayor Lou Maieron has helped shape China’s view of Wellington County and the Town of Erin.
Maieron recently returned from China following a 10-day mayors’ trade mission sponsored through the Canada China Investment Association (CCIA).
During that time, Ontario mayors gained a better view of China’s economy through business meetings, conferences and meetings with selected government officials in China. The mayors attended tours of major Chinese cities to experience first-hand the Chinese culture.
One of the reasons behind the trip was to develop opportunities for bilateral trade.
In a recent telephone interview with the Wellington Advertiser, Maieron said the trip “was a real eye opener.”
Part of the journey included discovering the differences between the two countries. That, Maieron said, involved a heavy schedule with many days of lots of travel and days stretching from 6am to 10pm as the group of mayors travelled from Beijing to Shanghai. Maieron noted that on one day he travelled by plane, train, boat and bus.
“It was a hectic schedule,” he said, adding the visit did much to dispel his preconceived notions. “It was a great opportunity.”
Maieron believes good contacts were made in the areas visited.
“I’ve learned a lot and am willing to share with others,” he said.
The overall plan was to foster good will and economic development overseas. Equally important to Maieron was the bonding between the nine Ontario politicians, because they share similar issues and circumstances.
He stressed that even though he considered the trip enlightening, “It was a business trip, not a vacation.”
Maieron added there are many parts of China that can hardly be considered poor. As he travelled throughout the countryside, “construction was booming.”
“I saw more luxury vehicles there, than I’d seen in my life,” he said.
“There was a lot of information to pick up, there just wasn’t a lot of time.”
Trip funding
Maieron agreed he’d heard there was considerable discussion on how the trade mission was funded.
He said mayors were required to come up with funds for the airfare and visas, while the costs overseas were covered through the CCIA.
His intent is to claim all or part of the expense in the same manner in which municipal politicians are allowed to claim expenses for attending conventions.
Maieron said county policies that allow councillors to attend three conventions each year, one of which can be outside of Canada.
It was uncertain whether Maieron intended to claim some of his expenses through the Town of Erin as well.
“I take the banner as having the lowest spending over the past 11 years (as a county councillor and later as mayor of Erin),” Maieron said when asked about the cost.
He estimated his costs at roughly $2,500 to cover the airfare, visa and incidentals. He maintained that amount is in line with other conventions which have been claimed as expenses by county councillors.
“I don’t think I should be treated different than other mayors,” Maieron said.
He added he is more than willing to make presentations to county council and Wellington’s economic development committee on what he learned in China.
Maieron considered the cost reasonable to be able to represent Erin and Wellington County overseas.
“In the past, I have been respectful of the tax dollars – I think this is good value for the money,” he said.
Miele connection
Maieron also seemed irritated with rumours surrounding former CAO Frank Miele and whether Miele had also gone on the China trip.
Maieron readily admits Miele’s involvement in preparing for the trip. He stated Miele helped get more information regarding what was expected.
Maieron stressed he wanted to have the information to make an informed decision before going.
“But the trip was strictly for mayors,” Maieron said. “In China, mayors have very powerful positions within the system.” That is why there was an understanding the trip was for mayors only, Maieron said.
One exception was made, he said. However that was to allow a deputy mayor to attend because the mayor of a specific municipality could not attend.
