Getting to know the mayor of Kingston, This new Q&A style EMC feature will give readers a more personal look at some of the public figures in our community.
Posted Jan 26, 2012 By EMC NewsName and age:
Mayor Mark Gerretsen, 36
Background:
I was born, raised and have lived most of my life in Kingston. I served one term as City Councillor for Portsmouth District from 2006 to 2010. I was elected Mayor of Kingston in October 2010.
Speak to your time as Mayor. What have been some of the highlights so far?
I now have a greater appreciation for the many talented, giving, community groups who provide so much of their time and effort in making Kingston a better place. The charitable organizations, the service clubs, volunteer groups, the organizations who promote the arts and culture, athletics, seniors groups, veterans groups, the list is endless. I have met so many fascinating people. It is an honour to continue to serve their best interests as Mayor of this wonderful city. I had the opportunity to participate in a number of fun and memorable community events and I've seen the tremendous spirit our citizens possess, first hand. It has been a busy and full first year as your Mayor!
What's your favourite part of your job?
Meeting new and interesting people while working with the many community groups that do so much positive work in our community and seeing the gradual, steady progression Kingston is making in a number of different areas.
Least favourite?
Not being able to say 'yes' to every request I receive. I've had to make some difficult choices.
Did you always want to be in municipal politics?
Actually, no. Obviously, politics had been a big part of my family life growing up, but it was something I never showed a real interest in until just before the municipal election of 2006. I became interested in many of the issues that were front and centre in our community at that time. A few people encouraged me to consider running for Council. I did and I was fortunate enough to win. The rest is history, I guess.
Did you have other aspirations as a child and growing up?
I often thought I'd like to become an engineer.
What is your life like outside of work?
Very busy. I own and operate a small property management company. When you combine my political life and my professional life, there's not a lot of downtime.
What is your family life like? Are you married? Do you have kids? Pets?
I am not married, although I am in an exclusive relationship. I have a dog named Otis, whom I adopted from the Kingston Humane Society a few years ago.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy going to the movies, spending time with family and friends and reading books on my iPad.
What is your favourite movie?
Anchorman. It's very funny and full of memorable lines.
Favourite TV show?
At the moment, I'm really enjoying Once Upon a Time.
Favourite Food?
My mother's homemade lasagna.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
When I criticized a motion of Council, only to realize that I was the one that brought the motion forward, six months prior.
What are a few items on your bucket list?
To travel the world. There are so many exciting places I'd love to visit. It's hard to know where I would begin.
Where do you hope to see yourself in 5, 10, 20 years?
5 years: continuing to promote the greater good in our community. 10 years: married with children, perhaps? 20 years: This is getting difficult to predict. There's so much life to lead in the short term, I'll let 20 years from now take care of itself.
Is there a public figure in our community that you would like to know more about? Send your suggestions to editorial@theemc.ca
blog comments powered by Disqus
