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Scherer vows tax watchdog citizen's group here to stay By BRAD REAUME The Champion Milton Ratepayers' Association president Paul Scherer says his organization is flot political. However, he did flot rule out a future move in that direction. The association has members who represent a broad political spectrum and many candidates in recent municipal elections, he explained. He did acknowledge that his ties to mayoral hopeful Colin Best could have served to paint the organization as pro-Best in the recent election. "Maybe as president I shouldn't have been so public with my support. I'm personally against the 'big pipe'," said Mr. Scherer. "We'll bring my credibility up at the next meeting of the association and see how the membership feels." May back slate Mr. Scherer said his group will remain active in local issues. In fact, the association would definitely consider backing a slate of candidates in the next municipal election, he said. The association will make more presentations on issues to counicil both locally and at Halton Region, he said. He explained the Milton Ratepayers' Association tried to encourage potential candidates for municipal office to come forward. They were largely unsuccesa- fui1. As well, "I'm disappointed with voter tumnout. There were serious issues on the table, and altemnatives particularly in growth and development." Why vote for change? Iinyone on local counicit wno tninxs we are going If people were happy with the way Milton and to go away is crazy," he warned. "If anything we' Il be Halton Region were being manàged, he asked, why more vigilant than ever." did more than 40 per cent of those who cast ballots in Mr. Scherer said the ratepayers group is looking for the mayor's race vote for change? fiscal accountability. He pointed out that the past Mr. Scherer says he thinks the Milton Ratepayers' counicil voted against a reduction in their numbers, Association can function as an information conduit to and that they did budgets by relying on year to year residents. As an exaniple, they will sponsor an infor- comparisons, rather than starting from scratch. mation night on the Ontario Health Restructuring Burlington now has a counicil of seven whiie Milton Commidssion recommendations. continues to require a council of 11 members to man- "People need to understand the proceas of how deci- age its affairs, he said. sions will be made and what they can do to affect Mr. Scherer said now that the gmoup has spent two those decisions," he said. years gaining credibility by seeking to understand Mr. Scherer said hosting such events will help issues and processes. they are prepared to take a more increase the association's public profile, something he public approach. sees as imperative. Photo by GRAHAM PAINE Colour thiem winners These Milton youngsters were among the wlnners of the Week of the ChiId colouring contest sponsored by the Halton ChIld Care Reglstry. Pictured here are (clockwise from bottom) Teddy Liptay, Ainsley Robertson and Kody Pearson. r"~N