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Belch proud of accomplishments /^, at city hall ^ rt<**X3^7c~*> ' Story continued from page Al Belch said this last term on council has been a challenging one given some very emotional issues were grappled with by councillors. But, he insisted he is not leaving politics due to any of the difficult decisions he tackled since being elected. c Belch rose to prominence locally when he opposed the former coun- cil under then mayor Ross McDougall and challenged his peers regard- ing the disbandment of the former Belleville Utilities Commission. More recently, Belch was at the forefront of the charge to disman- tle in the eleventh hour the Quinte Cultural Centre project, arguing that it would cost $9.8 million taxpayers could not afford. He said he believes he followed his political conscience to the let- ter to protect taxpayers from future tax burdens. "I didn't take any donations in my election campaign so I could say ^ ^ what I want on council and not owe anyone anything. I made the right decisions on these issues and I have no regrets," said Belch. Belch said he is proud of other accomplishments he pushed hard for ;l during his tenure as councillor. "I pushed for the organizational review at city hall and that is now C^ saving city taxpayers $100,000 a year. We worked very hard on that and I think the changes have helped staff at city hall," said Belch. Being on the elected side of the political process, meanwhile, has been ftdfilling for a man who has had his hands in many organizations & throughout the city for decades.A Rotarian, Belch has served on a long list of political committees overseeing everything from amalgamation and library services to water and long-term care. "It's been nice to sit on the other side of the table after many years on staff at city hall. I wanted to see how the elected side worked. I've experienced it now and it's been a great experience, something I would never trade for anything." Belch said he can now sit back and watch Belleville grow even fur- ther into a progressive city that has much more to offer its residents than when he first walked into city hall in 1969 to work for the city's recreation department. "Belleville has come a long way and it is very satisfying to have had a small part in it. The overall quality of life in Belleville is second to none," he said. "This is my hometown and I love it." Belch will serve out his term until Dec. 31.