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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday June 20, 2007 - 9 Mayor's campaign slogan now part of Oakville's strategic plan By Kim Arnott SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Few voters in last fall's municipal election were likely seeking to elect candidates aiming to run the town with a healthy measure of dishonesty, disrespect or disregard. That means there should be little disappointment with the town's new strategic plan, which officially enshrines the intent of local politicians to be honest, dedicated, accountable and innovative. It also commits Town councillors to goals of enhancing the town's natural, cultural, social and economic environment, and delivering programs that are accessible, and environmentally and fiscally sustainable. The new official Town vision captured in the strategic plan ­ "To be the most livable town in Canada" ­ started its life as an election slogan. Throughout last fall's heated, fiveway race for the job of Town mayor, Rob Burton frequently touted his plan for a "livable Oakville." The strategic plan for creating livable Oakville was six months in the making, but finally approved by council on Monday night. It is a "mission-driven" plan, which, according to Town staff, means it "establishes the town's vision, mission and values as the framework for both Council decision-making and day-today employee choices." For 2007, council has agreed to focus on five goals: accountability, natural environment, continuous improvement, fiscal sustainability and commitment to employees. A series of initiatives, studies and surveys are outlined to help the Town achieve those goals. Among other plans for the year, the town intends to undertake Citizen and Employee Satisfaction surveys, hold a townhall meeting to highlight the town's accomplishments, and establish environmental targets and indicators. However, strategic planning is an ongoing process, the Town's director of strategy, policy and communication Jane Courtemanche told councillors. "This is really just a beginning point. This isn't an end point," she said. After councillors approved the plan, Burton noted, "We have, indeed, assigned ourselves a large amount of work and all of it will move us forward toward our collective vision." Senator to speak at Conservative fundraiser As members of Oakville's Conservative party prepare for an upcoming election, Ontario Senator Consiglio Di Nino will be stopping by to speak at a Oakville Conservative fundraising reception. "Senator Di Nino has served under four Prime Ministers," said Federal Conservative candidate Terence Young. "He really knows how Ottawa works. We're inviting everyone in Oakville to join us at the Oakville Club to hear what he has to say." Senator Di Nino, the former president of Cabot Trust, was summoned to the Senate in 1990 and is chair of the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament and is also a member of the Standing Committee on National Finance. The fundraiser will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, June 25 at the Oakville Club, located at 56 Water St. For further information on the event or tickets, contact Peter Turkington at 905-901-9218 or visit www.terenceyoung.com. Don't be afraid of dinner. Now you can create delicious and affordable meals in minutes without the frightening tasks of grocery shopping, preparing or cleaning. Make your home or cottage cooking easier with 16 nutritious meal choices every month. To find out more, visit 610 Ford Drive (at Cornwall) or justaddheat.ca