In what seems to be a recurring theme in the Milton Champions Letter to the Editor section, there is more feedback on councils decision to implement a 1% tax levy for the potential hospital expansion for MDH.

Most of the comments received by Miltonians on this blog, through email and in the Champion tends to focus on the fact that this decision was made with no public input and because we haven’t received the go ahead from the provincial government.

Dear Editor:

I read with interest the letter by John Challinor in the February 3 Champion entitled, ‘Hospital levy should be rescinded; taxpayers engaged in discussion.’

We agree that the tax levy should be re-opened for further discussion.

As life-long residents of Milton, we don’t oppose paying money toward our hospital expansion. However, we do question why the decision was made so quickly, when the Milton District Hospital expansion isn’t yet approved by the provincial government.

We urge councillors to re-open the tax levy issue for public discussion.

Jean and Joe Gregoris, Milton  

If you haven’t already read Stuart Service’s article in the Halton Compass last week, (front page / second page) suggest you have a read.  In the article, Stuart asks Dalton McGuinty about Milton’s decision to implement the levy and asks the all important question of will this help.  The Premier’s answer is quite telling.

(photo by Stuart Service, courtesy of Halton Compass)

McGunity did not confirm whether or not a MDH levy would increase the towns chance at landing provincial approval for the hospital expansion.

“It’s obviously a sign of a strong committment on the part of the community, but I think that there is a lot of factors that we have to take into account when it comes to what we’re going to put something next.”

He continued…

“At this point in time, we’re talking about a long term plan and none of those decisions have been made yet.  One of the things we have to look at is where do we go going forward with respect to our capital plan.”

“We’re in a significant deficit , its a matter of modest growth, its a time of still too high unemployment.”

Doesn’t necessarily spark optimism now does it?  In fact its the opposite.  As the article mentioned, there were a number of councillors in support of the levy who used the argument that by implementing the tax levy will increase our chances in getting provincial approval.  In fact key members of staff at MDH and Halton Healthcare Services echoed those same comments.  Judging from the Premier’s comments it doesn’t spark any light of hope as we move closer to the time where the provincial government will be making those decisions.

Recently at the Mayor’s Breakfast we had a visit from Minister of Infrastructure Bob Chiarelli (one of the key decision makers in the approval process) came to town to visit the Milton Centre for the Arts and take some time to speak at the breakfast.  In his 25 minute address to the mostly business crowd there wasn’t a mention of the need for hospital expansion in Milton.  A few individuals I spoke with after who attended the meeting were equally as puzzled as to why the much needed expansion and quite possibly the number ONE issue in the town went unaddressed.

Only time will tell if its a success or a failure.  We should find out in time (March / April 2011) if Milton receives the approval from the provincial government to move forward to the design stage of the much needed expansion of MDH.  Since 2001/2002 there have been a number of studies completed by Halton Healthcare Services (at a significant cost) to assess the need for expansion.  That’s a no brainer as many Miltonians are quite aware.  The need is there…there is no doubt of that fact.  The most recent report was completed back in 2008/2009 as to the need and viability of the expansion and nothing has been done since.  In essence, the report is sitting on an in-box somewhere at the province of Ontario.

You want community support?  We only have to turn back a couple of years when over 35,000 Miltonians, via the Friends of Milton Hospital organization collected signatures on postcards that were delivered to the Premiers office telling them of our needs.

We can do something in the meantime.  We can keep the discussion going at all levels, on this blog, on discussion forums, in the coffee shops and restaurants in town and with our MPP Ted Chudleigh.  It’s getting close to that time and if Milton isn’t approved for expansion there will be a lot of very upset residents.

From The Milton Canadian Champion – Letters to the Editor

Hospital levy should be rescinded; taxpayers engaged in discussion

Dear Editor:I read with interest the article in the January 20 Champion entitled ‘Hospital levy increases tax hike by 1%.’

Reporter Christina Commisso wrote that in a 6-5 vote Milton council approved a 3.58 per cent tax increase, plus an unprecedented 1 per cent tax surcharge to help fund the possible future expansion of Milton District Hospital.

Any 6-5 decision is a bad decision, and this one is no exception.

It’s little wonder that Mayor Gord Krantz and councillors Mike Cluett, Tony Lambert, Greg Nelson and Rick Malboeuf didn’t support the 2011 budget. The 4.58 per cent tax hike is more than twice the 2 per cent inflation rate estimated for 2011 by the Bank of Canada. The 2010 inflation rate was 1.7 per cent.

Worse, monies will be set aside for a hospital expansion that isn’t even in the Province of Ontario’s current health infrastructure plan.

Our community’s ability to absorb a 3.58 per cent tax hike, let alone a 4.58 per cent tax increase with a hospital surcharge, is doubtful.

We’re in tough economic times and seniors on fixed incomes, young families with mortgages and local manufacturers and retailers that create jobs and drive municipal assessment revenues are all at risk.

Very few will see business revenues or personal incomes rise 3.58 or 4.58 per cent this year.

A re-do is in order.

Re-open the operating budget and reduce it to inflationary levels.

It’s time to rescind the unprecedented hospital surcharge and engage taxpayers in an open discussion about its future.

Council should also request Queen’s Park to immediately include the hospital expansion in its health infrastructure planning and require  it be funded through a public-private partnership, rather than using municipal property taxes.

John Challinor, Milton

Also…

Hospital tax levy tough to swallow

Dear Editor:This letter is in response to the 1 per cent tax levy approved by council for the hospital expansion.

At the time of planning for growth, where on the list of priorities was the expansion of Milton District Hospital? This should have been a top priority. How is the hospital supposed to cope with this new growth?

We already pay taxes to the Province for hospitals. Could money the Town gets from the Mohawk slots not go toward the hospital fund?

To me, there has been some poor planning shown by our governments.

Cecilia Thorpe, Milton

Just this past week the Halton District School Board chose from a number of different name options for Milton’s newest school (known before as Milton #4) and it seems to have caused some controversy.  But the selection of the name couldn’t have gone to a better person.

The new school on Yates Drive that is due to open this coming fall, will be named Tiger Jeet Singh Public School.

This honour adds to the list of accomplishments this great Miltonian has earned over the years.  Tiger Jeet Singh, along with his son Tiger Ali Singh, are world renowned for their success in the field of professional wrestling.  You may remember Tiger Ali’s stint with the WWE (Formerly World Wrestling Federation) and since then he has moved on to more international success.  The mere mention of their names in the squared circle brought their opponents to submission as they are fierce competitors in the ring.

But thats just the wrestling persona’s.  Outside the ring, they are true ambassadors to the Town of Milton and do what they can to help both their home town and home country.  The list of philanthropic activities of Tiger is head spinning.  Here is a brief list (courtesy of local historian/author John Challinor)

• $200,000 donation to community of Sujapur, India (1990) (money used to build water and sewer infrastructure)
• $100,000+ donation committed to Milton District Hospital Foundation (2006)
• $35,000 raised through his leadership with Kopz4Kids (monies were shared between Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington and Halton Healthcare facilities in Georgetown, Milton and Oakville) (2008)
• $30,000 raised through his leadership with Troy’s Diner Toy Drive (2009) (toys went to local Salvation Army and Sick Childrens Hospital in Toronto )
• $25,000 donation to Milton Historical Society to publish local book of history, Milton Streets (2008)
• Annual pilgrimage to India to donate money, including the following:
o Five buses purchased for various Sikh temples in Punjab, India, so that poor had transportation to worship (2009)
o Land purchased for college campus in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, so students could study locally as most couldn’t afford transportation to study out-of-town (2009)
o Donated monies for clothing and other items to unspecified villages (1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s)
• Raised money with professional wrestler Lord Athol Layton for Shriners Foundation (late 1970s)
• Raised money with professional wrestler Whipper Billy Watson to help expand Newmarket Hospital and raise visibility for plight of handicapped children (early 1970s)
• Anonymous large annual donor to numerous local charities (ongoing)

Humanitarian Activities:

• Non-governmental ambassador (trade) to United Nations with a mandate to reach out to South-East Asian countries (2000 – 2001)
• World-wide Economic Development Ambassador to Milton, Ontario (1980s, 1990s, 2000s)
• Drug, alcohol, education and physical fitness (Tiger-fit) awareness advocate in Canada, Japan, South-east Asia, addressing thousands of parents and students (1990s, 2000s)
• Chief Patron, Punjabi Sahit Sabha of Ontario (organization facilitates education, culture, societal value and general promotion of Sikhism) (since 1976)
• Recognized leader in Canadian South-East Asian community that members from across the country come to when in need of guidance and support (1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s)
• Annual guest of honour at major South-East Asian community religious, community, athletic events (1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s)
• Annual guest of honour at Canada Kabaddi Cup (typically alongside Prime Minister of Canada) (ongoing)

And as I said…that’s just SOME of what Tiger Jeet Singh is involved in.

Recently reported in the Toronto Star, there was a column that outlined some parts of a popular Internet forum called The Hawthorne Villager.

Here is a what I posted. 

Not that this decision needs to be defended, but I’ll put in my 2 cents worth.I have absolutely no problem with the name chosen for the school. All of the contenders, so to speak, were highly qualified to have their name adorn the school walls.

Both Tiger Jeet and Tiger Ali Singh were named as inaugural members of Milton’s Walk of Fame…an honour highly deserved.

The Tigers (Hans family) have grown up in Milton over the course of many years. They were residents of this town long before many of us were called Miltonians. During this time, they have given back to our community. One of the Hans’ sons is a member of the Halton police force, serving and protecting our community. There were stories in the past of what they had to endure from “rabid wrestling fans” and others alike who made life for that family almost unbearable. Too many stories that this family is too proud to talk about. Lets just say life wasn’t made easy for them.

Yet they stuck it out.

Tiger Jeet Singh is a world renowned wrestler and a classy gentleman who doesnt hesitate to offer his help whenever its needed (Troys Diner and other charities) I remember during the Canada Day Celebrations of Milton’s 150th anniversary (where he along with his son were inducted into Milton’s Walk of Fame) talking with him and listening to his acceptance  speech which was quite moving. More moving still was his son’s speech (Tiger Ali) and the pride that both of them felt for their home town. They felt the honour they received by being inducted to the Milton Walk of Fame was the highlights of their lives…and given the careers both individuals had, that’s saying something.

I had the privilage of being the soccer coach of their grandson and despite hectic schedules and travelling all over the world where they are still in demand, he made it to most of his grandsons soccer games.

Through all of this they call Milton their home and they burst with pride when they do so.

There are a number (way to many too count) of Miltonians who have lived here and currently live here that deserve the honour of having a school named after them and Tiger Jeet Singh IS one of those people.

***

 As far as I’m concerned Tiger Jeet Singh is an excellent choice to name the school.  He plans on taking part in the activities, as does fellow Milton Walk of Fame member Chris Hadfield of Hadfield Public School.  The children who attend this school will be lucky to have another role model to look up to.  And its doesnt just stop at Tiger Sr.  His sons and the rest of the family also are involved in bettering our community.  One of Tiger Sr.’s sons is a member of the Halton Police force, serving and protecting the community he grew up in.  I had the privilege of coaching Anthony’s soccer team a few years back and with his experience, helped me be a better coach. 

A great honour for a great champion!  Congratulations Tiger!  This is an honour which is well deserved.   More importantly…THANK YOU!

You can also read more about the decision at Troy’s Diner Blog with even more details on what Tiger has done for Milton, and children everywhere.

Yes, its been awhile since my last post and I do apologize for neglecting my blog for the last couple of months. In this period of time I have changed employers and my time has been devoted to getting ramped up with my new career.

My previous employer was a smaller leasing company who fell victim to the short term credit crunch and the asset backed commercial paper market. Back in August and September when it really hit the fan, the available cash from our securitization partners ran short leaving our company in a tough situation and unable to process deals.

That being said, it didn’t take long before the doors closed and many of the 2o or so employees were left looking for other employment.

I’m still in the leasing business working for Irwin Commercial Finance with our branch office based out downtown Toronto. This means more commuting to the downtown core courtesy of GO Transit from Milton, so I’m getting a deeper understanding about public transit in our area.

At this point, Milton doesn’t have all day GO Train service to Toronto with only a few trains in the morning and a few in the evening. Many of the commuters that use the

Milton station come from outside the area in Cambridge, Guelph and northern parts of Oakville and Burlington. The provincial government recently announced a large investment in GO Train services of $100 million dollars but unfortunately none of those dollars have made it to Milton.

Speaking of public transit in Milton, the recent budget brought down by council included ANOTHER huge chunk of cash to go towards buses in town. Also, the town released a report that ridership on Milton transit had increased. You can find the article from the Champion here. On the surface that sounds great. But when you look deeper into the numbers, it isn’t as good as it sounds.

The main reason ridership numbers are up is because of several programs with private sector companies sponsoring free rides. So when its free, people use it more and when people have to pay for it, the numbers decrease immensely.

The report mentioned that ridership increased 63% from 2006 levels. Again, on the surface those numbers sound great, but you don’t get the full picture as many times during 2007 there were extended free fare programs courtesy of a number of companies including Mattamy Homes, Fieldgate Properties, the Milton 150th Anniversary Celebrations, and for such events as the Downtown Street Party. You also have to look at the population levels from 2006 to 2007 and you will find it increased dramatically during this period of time. Unofficially, now Milton is over the 70,000 mark and heading upwards on a daily basis.

What is not mentioned is that there would have been minimal increases in ridership if there wasn’t a fare free program. On the surface it looks like ridership in public transit is up…but you have to carefully look at the numbers. It’s a good first step, but from a business standpoint it doesn’t justify an excessive increase in funding for 2008 over 2007, and that is what town council did for this years budget.

Based on these facts it seems financially wrong to make further cash investments in a program little people are using. Those who read this blog and who have spoken with me during the last municipal campaign know that I am a cautious supporter of public transit.

As our town grows there will be a further need fore more buses and more routes in town for people to get around. At this point, what we had sufficed and until there was any changes in demand, (ie: non-artificially boosted numbers) then the town can look at making more of an investment in transit.

A good friend of mine once said to me “public transit is a slippery slope that can turn into a cash cow for municipalities and in turn will cause increased taxes.” He was right on the money with that statement. Last year council spent millions of dollars on new buses that realistically will run mostly empty unless theres a special free ride promotion and now in 2008 even further investment.

In a letter to the Milton Canadian Champion, former town councillor John Challinor made a few comments that is worth repeating. You can find his letter to the editor here.

Its been quite the busy week getting ready for Canada Day but in the end the event went off without a hitch. The pictures I took are in the process of being downloaded and I will post them either here or on Facebook to show them off. *EDIT 1051PM* DONE

The first part of our day was preparing the 27 classic convertible cars for the parade route through downtown. We were quite lucky to have the Halton Police Honour Guard there as well to carry the colours and to further honour the inductees to the Milton Walk of Fame. Many thanks to the hard work of Halton Regional Police Honour Guard Drill Commander Constable Hans, who got everyone together in the honour guard. It added that extra touch of class to the event. Also included in the Honour Guard is Allan Eaton, Constable Leggete, Constable Robertson, and Constable Kelly. Well done!!

Over the past couple of years the 150th Anniversary Committee and the Milton Historical Society had been working on this project, and to our knowledge there is no other municipality in the world that has anything close to this. These 27 people will be the first to have their names written in the history books of Milton as those from Milton who made a national and or international impact in their chosen field.

The cars where shined to perfection and as we got ready to go, some of the streets hadn’t been blocked off yet so some of us had to take it upon ourselves (and our cars) to make sure we cut off traffic as the parade went through town. Being a lover of these fine pieces of machinery, I’ll have THOSE pictures up on this blog soon too…what a sight.

We finally got moving just as the clouds began to come in for what some of us thought was a quick shower. This didn’t dampen any ones spirits, especially those of the inductee’s…”BRING IT ON!” they said.

Once the parade had finished, they ended up behind the main stage and they were marched in by the honour guard and the inductees made their way to the tables as the veterans, who were honoured earlier at Victoria Park, were seated as well.

Another chuckle we had was trying to bring Milly the Millstone, (pictured here, courtesy of Ashley Challinor) the official Town of Milton Mascot, up the narrow steps without causing a scene and injury to Milly. Speaking as one who has worn the Milly costume at events, its NOT an easy thing to move around in and Henry deserves some praise for doing it as often as he does.

John Challinor and Bruce Carlin of the Milton Historical Society, who were the emcees of the event, kicked it off with the introductions…and we finally began! As I stood there on stage looking out at the crowd, I was blown away by the sheer number of people who took the time to come out to first honour the veterans of Milton and the inductees to the Walk of Fame. As the introductions continued, I slipped out the camera and took a couple of shots…I was just speechless. Ann Kornuta, local Milton artist and “foto-master” was running around snapping as many shots as she could for the Halton Compass. There was so much going on, it was hard to keep up with it all. TV Cogeco was out in full force as well with a camera centre stage as well as Sandy French hard at work along the sidelines. Stay tuned to Plugged In! on TV Cogeco for the full story.

One by one the inductees were brought on to the stage to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to their craft, to get a quick photo snapped and maybe say a few words. Each one of them who spoke, did so from the heart. Many of them had won other awards in their chosen profession but many of them stated that the Milton Walk of Fame honour surpassed all others.

The most heartfelt speech of the day belonged to Tiger Ali Singh as he recounted his years as a youth in Milton, the hard work and dedication of not only his father but of his brothers and his mother for keeping the family together. They continue to live in Milton while travelling all over the world performing in wrestling matches. Tiger Jr.’s speech brought tears to many eyes as he expressed his gratitude of being honoured this way along with his father. Tiger Jeet Singh got up to speak as well, but as he passed me on his way up the stairs he told me, I don’t know how I’m going to top that. Hes a man of few words but they spoke volumes.

After the last inductee spoke it was time for people to have a chance to meet them face to face and get their autographs. No sooner that we announced it, many of the inductees were swarmed from Albert Casson to Bruce Hood (who enjoyed the boos of the crowd as he came up to the stage…those who are hockey fans KNOW how much fun it is to booo the refs!) OMNI TV came out to tape the event as well for the showcase of the Singh family. It actually got to the point they needed to leave and needed an escort out of the park to the cars…ME being security for two 6 foot PLUS wrestlers…HA…I know I laughed too.

What else can we say about Milton’s Canada Day but WOW! From beginning to end there were tons of things to do, the rides were great and the food was even better than before.

And the only way to end the show was with ABBAMANIA who rocked the crowd with many of Abba’s hits from the 70’s. Young and old were dancing, singing and having a great time as the sun went town and the night sky readied for the fireworks. A special thanks to Kevin Brackley who did quite a bit of jumping through hoops, bending over backwards and many days and nights stressing out to get Abbbamania as the main event for the 150th Anniversary /Canada Day celebrations. Great job Kevin!

The fireworks were set to music this year and there wasn’t one person who left that fairgrounds disappointed. For around 25 minutes the sky turned bright and loud with the sounds of the fireworks set to music. Excellent job and w
e can only hope next years Canada Day’s celebrations can be topped. It will be tough.

Tomorrow is the day you cast your ballot in the byelection for the open seat in Ward 2.

Your choices are:

Mike Bugala
John Challinor
Peter Haight
Ron Furik
Greg Nelson

You can check out some of my other postings for comments on each of the candidates that are running for who I feel is the best choice for council. The most important thing is to get out and vote. Who do you think will best serve YOUR concerns on council?

Make your voice heard!

This past Saturday was AMAZING. For those of you who took the time to attend the Milton 150Th Anniversary Event in downtown Milton there was a lot of fun to be had.

Bands such has topp crime from Milton played in the evening and there were loads of events and fun activities for everyone of every age. It was indeed a success. As soon as we get some pictures in of the event, I’ll post them. Judging by the smiles on peoples faces throughout the day, I think that this will become an annual event. Lets hope!

Also, its getting closer to the election date for residents in Ward 2. This Thursday they will have the opportunity to choose who will help lead this council for the next 3 plus years.

As Ive stated in my blog many times, I think that John Challinor is by far the front runner in the eyes of the voters and judging by the number of signs that pop up on lawns it seems that the momentum John had going in, hasn’t slowed down one bit. John has been hitting the doors and the phones heavily over the past few weeks, doing what hes done for many years as local councillor…addressing peoples concerns and helping them.

This past Thursday, ironically enough on the date that former Ward 2 councillor now Justice of the Peace Mark Curtis was being sworn in, the 5 candidates for the position squared off in a live debate on TV Cogeco. This debate will be replayed many times before this Thursday so stay tuned to TV Cogeco for times and check it out.

It was clear from the beginning who the two front runners were as the moderators asked the questions of each of the candidates. Noting full well that 3 of the 5 candidates have never held public office (not that its a pre requisite) their answers to questions were not as informed as both John and Ron Furik.

Ron Furik ended up agreeing with most of what John was saying. Judging by his statements “I have to agree with John” and “as John said in his answer” it almost sounds like he feels John would make the best candidate. The one issue that’s still in many peoples minds is the motion Ron moved a few months back RIGHT before the November vote that council was going to do what it could to slow down growth. The only problem with that motion is nothing came of it and growth is spurring along just fine. You can read all about that motion from my blog back in September where Ron stated that “this council is not to blame” for the growth issues that Milton is facing.

From that Champion article…“Furik also addressed the naysayers who’ve been publicly blaming the current council for the development problems since he announced his intentions to come forward with the motion.”I laugh to read it’s this council’s fault,” he said, noting he feels the councils from five to 15 years ago were the development decision makers — councils he said he was sitting on as a local representative.In an interview with The Champion, he went on to say, “Don’t point fingers at this council. They had no decision making in this development. It’s not fair.”

In other items, the question of a pesticide ban came up where John stated emphatically that he was against it, due to the fact it covers the agencies who provide the service but not the actual product that you and I can buy in any hardware store. Ron agreed again with what John stated and also said he felt it was a provincial issue and didn’t really say if personally he was for or against the ban as it was laid out to council. The other 3 candidates had their reasons but were short on details of why.

Peter Haight is a candidate who really wants to focus on the development of the downtown core. Mike Bugala, given his career as a transit operator with the City of Toronto, is focused quite a bit on the development of the transit system here in Milton.

Greg Nelson’s answers seemed unprepared and almost robotic by nature and lacked focus on details. In one statement he made mention we were “short of by laws officers” and that we should hire more. The only problem with that is the fact hiring more officers costs taxpayers money. How would we pay for them? Raise taxes? Cut spending? How can it be done?

There are a number of issues that we are facing as a town need to have a clear plan. It cant be just some make shift plan of generalisms and vagueness. The town needs councillors with a clear plan of action on how to address things with a common sense approach and not good election quotes.

With the last few days ticking down to this Thursdays vote it should be clear now that John Challinor is the choice to be sent back to council. It comes down to ideas and leadership. It doesnt take much to identify problems but it takes a leader to come up with solutions.

Regardless of who you support residents of Milton need to get out and vote. Yes the weather is great and there’s lots of things to do. With all the advance polls that were available and a few minutes on election day there are enough opportunities for Miltonians to have their say.

Make sure that your voices are heard.

Well, not everywhere it seems. But in Milton’s Ward 2 things are beginning to heat up for the municipal by-election on June 14th.

The list of candidates has been finalized and they include John Challinor, former Ward 2 councillor (most recently he was the Ward 4 councillor); Peter Haight, who came in 3rd place in November for ward 2; Mike Bugala who is a new comer to the political landscape in Milton; former Regional and Town Councillor Ron Furik who was defeated in November by a returning Colin Best, and Greg Nelson, who ran two previous times in Ward one back in 2003 (placed 3rd) and most recently against yours truly in 2006 where he placed 4th.

The date has been set, the race is under way and the sign “war” has begun. Driving around town this morning I had noticed a large number of John Challinor signs on ward 2 lawns and the early status of front runner hasn’t held him back. Rumour has it that John has been hitting the doors talking to residents outlying his experience both as a Ward 4 and Ward 2 councillor. John has a strong knowledge of the ward and its issues since he both lived in and represented the ward when he first came to council.

Even after the election in November, John has continued working with the town in many different aspects. Most notably he has been helping out the 150th Anniversary Master Committee in starting up the Milton WALK OF FAME. He, along with Bruce Carlin of the Milton Historical Society, will be the hosts of the Canada Day activities where we will officially introduce the first inductee’s of Milton’s Walk of Fame.

Not much is known about Mike Bugala and the issues and experience he’s bringing to the table. You are beginning to see, very quietly, some lawn signs appear on the boulevards of ward 2.

Peter Haight is also in the running, and his site has been recently updated to show the new election date and information on why he is running. Peter came in 3rd place in November behind current Ward 2 councillor Mike Boughton and now former councillor Mark Curtis, who has gone on to be a JP for the province of Ontario.

Ron Furik, taking a page out of the book of yours truly (see, someone IS listening) now has a blog and website he plans to update during the campaign. What is more important to see is if he continues the site after the election is over. I had pledged during the campaign in November that I was going to continue to blog about Milton happenings, issues and keep people up to date on town hall, and I’ve done my best to keep it up to date. Having a site during an election is great, but you have to properly use it. Ron’s entries from the November campaign were all erased and he’s starting from scratch. As an aside, I’ve kept all of my entries from the past and will continue to have them available for everyone to read.

Greg Nelson, who lives in ward 2 also has a website with his information and what has driven him to run again for council. I understand there’s a long tradition in his family for public service, which is a noble thing.

What this town needs is real ideas on what needs to be done for Milton, and not generalized statements about what is wrong … we need ideas of how we can make things better. Anyone can point out we have some traffic issues in many parts of town, or growth needs to be controlled, but how can we fix them and what can the councillor for the area do to better the quality of life here in Milton.

Anyone who is living in Ward 2 should do their best to contact the candidates and ask them the hard questions…what have you done for Milton in the past and what plans do you have for Milton’s future? Each of the candidates has to ask themselves why they are running for council. The candidates need to offer the residents a concrete plan of what they will do as councillor and what they will do to improve the quality of life in Milton.

So far, it looks like John Challinor is continuing the trend as front runner in this race. Town council needs his experience and his input on things that Milton is facing in the coming years. Johns level head-ness and common sense has been missed around the table and the residents of ward 2 will be best served by returning John Challinor to town council.

This past Monday, Milton Town Council decided that it would be better to have a by election for the vacant position in Ward 2. This means that some Milton residents will be going back to the polls, probably in June. The decision has to be ratified by council in March and the nomination date will follow shortly after that.

In case you haven’t heard, one of the council positions for Ward 2 was deemed vacant when Father Mark Curtis was appointed to the Justice of the Peace recently, which effectively ended his political career as town councillor. He was appointed by provincial Attorney General Michael Bryant and his position started immediately. Good luck Father Mark!

As I mentioned before in my last entry and to a number of people who emailed me, I wont be running for that position. I honestly feel that a person who represents a ward should understand that area and its concerns. While many of the issues we face on daily basis are similar, downtown Milton is very unique and it will take an experience hand, one who had or has lived there for many years, to do the job. While I am very flattered at being considered, I am not going to seek any elected office for Ward 2.

I am however very excited to see there are a number of others who will be vying for the council seat. And the names continue to pop up.

The front runner position HAS to go to former Ward 4 town councillor John Challinor, who grew up in that area and represented ward 2 for the years of 1991 and 1997. He has already thrown his hat into the race to fill the vacancy and you can find out more about him www.johnchallinor.ca

Other names being bandied about are Ron Furik, who lost to Colin Best for Regional Councillor Wards 2 & 4 by close to 20% of the vote back in November. Apparently hes announced already but if you go to his website the home page just says Announcement Coming and it hasn’t been updated since Feb 20th, so there is a bit of confusion to say the least.

Peter Haight, who came in third place by close to 600 votes is also another possibility but nothing official as his campaign site hasn’t been updated since the November election.

And after the council meeting on Monday, former ward one candidate (you might remember his name) Greg Nelson has decided again to run for council. He had lived in Ward 2 for sometime but in the last election ran in ward one against yours truly, Brian Penman and Rick Day. While he lived in ward 2 he ran in our ward because he “ran here in 2003 and had gotten to know a lot of the residents.” He ran in 2003 and 2006 running in third and fourth place respectively.

In that same Champion article, he said “its not about geography…its going to be an election of who can come up with ideas.”

I certainly hope that the candidates have already come up with these ideas, before deciding to run for council.

As it stands right now, it looks to be that John Challinor is definitely the front runner to replace Father Mark. Close behind him would be Ron Furik and Peter Haight.

This will make the summer a lot more interesting.