Last modified: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:57 AM PDT Mayor says Ontario faces ‘pressing’ issues By Katie Pizza Argus Observer Ontario — Ontario Mayor Joe Dominick said he has changed his mind regarding the best way to define Ontario since his last state of the city address. “When I gave my address last time, I said ‘the state of the city is strong,’” Dominick said. “If I were to rewrite it, I think I’d say ‘The state of the city is exciting.’” Dominick conceded in an interview Tuesday Ontario is facing a number of pressing issues right now. “There is about three,” he said. “And they’re all pretty equally important. The most prominent issue is the future of Ontario — getting quality growth for everyone.” Dominick said quality growth, in the form of new businesses, industry and encouraging people to build homes in Ontario is important because it can boost the city’s tax base.  “It will increase the tax base, which will increase the revenue to provide city services,” he said. Another issue important to Dominick is the system development charges process. “The public works committee is doing a good job at getting that done correctly, legally and getting something that we all can live with,” Dominick said. Dominick also said the downtown revitalization plan should remain on track. “I think it’s an 18-month process,” he said. “If we can get that done, implemented and complete we’ll be able to draw from the marketplace down to downtown.” Dominick also talked about what he has learned while in office. “I learned simple and silly things like what happens when you flush,” he said. “But I also learned a lot about council procedures.” He mentioned the roll call vote used to end a meeting. “In one of the meetings I want to have everyone signal the end of the meeting by roaring, like the Lion’s Club. I’ve never done that yet,” he said. Want to comment on this story? Check out the Argus Observer’s blogs at www.argusobserver.com