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Savoline says broken, so w] BY PAUL MITCHISON Special to The Champion Joyce Savoline doesl seem to think much of dis- mantling Halton Region. And as the sole politician who represents only Halton Region, she doesn't think it's necessary a choice be made between Halton's continuing survival versus Burlington's. "Where there have been forced amalgamnations in other parts of the province, none of the scenarios have remotely resembled ours in Halton," she said. 'We're probably the only people who don't realize how well (Halton) works." Ms Savoline disagreed with the criticism of Halton Region contained in Burlington's new White Paper on Govemance, but chose ber words carefully. 1I guesa that it's written in a spirit of strengthening local govemment, and 1 can understand that," she said. 1I look forward to, the opportunity to participate in any kind of discussion about that." Prepared by Burlington city manager Tim Dobbie, - the paper states regional govemment in Halton lacks the accountability of Burlington city counicil. It calîs for strengthening Burlington and reducing Halton into a non-taxing services board. Savoline tries to remain open-minded Ms Savoline said she wants to remain part of the discussion as Burlington prepares to seiI the proposaI to other Halton municipalities, including Milton. "Naturally I'm interested in any proposai providing benetits that are spoead equally across the region. So inm flot going t0 try and pre-judge anything." But as clearly believes Halton Region has been a success. "I think we've done a good job. I think in this region, more (han any other, we've eliminated dupli- cation," she said. "1 tbink we've got a great record to build on, we have lots to celebrate. I tbink if we can be criticized, it's for not getting that message out. So we'll try and do that job bettrl 'Me newly-formsd Greater Toronto Services Board (GTSB) is still in its infancy and Ms Savolins doesn't agres with Burlington Mayor Rob MacIsaac, who feels the GTSB will likely evolve into a level of local govemment. Mr. MacIsaac has said he docsn't want t0 see the City of Burlington elimdiated if the province seeka to streamline thinga. Elîminating Halton seems to make the most sense, he said, though he's still open to ideas. Halton isn't[ Liy fix it?0 ______________________ '98 PONTIAC SUNFIE '96 CHI "Wlhere tieie hav le t Auto, air, D/aurbags, cass, 2 10 choose from. Low kms. 1 9 9 '98 CHEV MALIECUj Ms Savoline said it's strategically important that top Halton political officiais present a united front as they participate on the GTSB. 1I think we need to, present a unified position, one that shows we are flot fragment- ed at home as we take our place a1 the Greater Toronto Services Board table." A part of the White Paper states that having separate councils (Burlington city and Halton) divides the attention of counil members. As well, very littîs of Halton Rsgion's budget is controllable by local council, according 10 the reolort which states that regional government isn't as accountable. "Council members tend to have a greater commit- ment to their local council and its agenda, as there is a greater ownership of issues at the local level," the report said. Ms Savoline doesl think that's necsssarily an issue. "If they'oe flot paying as much attention here, they have to answer to their constituents," she said. "It's flot because it isn't warranted." White Paper calls for Region replacement The White Paper calls for a cooperative services board to replace Halton Region, witb many of ils pow- ers transferred to local municipalities. Social services like distribution of wslfars cheques, road maintenance and garbage collection would then move under the umbrella of Burlington City Hall. Burlington and the surviving municipalities would be free 10 buy other services, like water, sewers, land- MIî space and, possibly, policing, tlsrougb a services board. It could possibly be constituted by a six-mem- ber board of politicians from Milton, Burlington, Oakville and Halton HuIs. You are driving aroundi in one of your Iargest i nvestments. Donyt talke chances choosing your rnechanic. Choose Experlence, Choos. ReIIabIUtyq Choose ... " Brake Service " Ste.ring & Suspension * A/C Service " Safety Inspection " Computer Diagnostics " Generai Repairs *Tires *Auto Eiectric & Charging Systema Ai Makes 4L Modeis Auto, air, V6 cruise, cass. only 55,000 kms. Was $13.295 Auto, air, power everything. Aiioy rims, Auto, air, cass 2 dr, oniy 59,000 kms. V6, low kms. Veryclean. 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