The Canadian Champion, Friday, October 31, 2003-11 Mark Curtis Beverly Faulkner Mark Curtis, 47, is a priest in the Anglican Diocese of Niagara as well as a counsellor, local business owner and motivational speakerlenter- tainer. He was born in Hamilton and has made Milton his home for the last 14 years. He holds a BA from the University of Waterloo and a Masters Degree from the University of Western Ontario. Through his support of charitable caus- es, Mr. Curtis bas raised more than $11 million. He was named 1994 Citizen of the Year and bas been nominated for the Order of Ontario and Order of Canada. He's married to Rita Albin- Curtis and has three children - Courtnie, Laura and Grant. Why are you running? I am running for Ward 2 councillor because I love Milton and its people. As a pastor I have demonstrated my accessibility and my commit- ment to the individual, to fairness and to truth. Above all, this election is about voting for some- one who is competent to manage the town's busi- ness effectively and responsibly. As a local busi- ness owner, I bring leadership skills and business expenence. What are the local issues? I present my local issues in the acronym BE- SMART. It stands for balanced community development, environmental protection, seniors and safety, maintaining services, attracting and supporting new business, rejuvenating the down- town core, and transportation. How will you address them? Development is here. I will ensure a balance between resi- dential, industrial and commercial develop- ment. I will work tire- lessly to, protect all parklands from devel- opment. I will make sure our seniors con- tinue to receive nec- essary funding, access to programs, and new facilities when needed. I will address pedestrian and vehicle safety concems that will result from the town's growth. It is my intention to maintain and improve services such as water, garbage and roads in Ward 2 during the extensive new devel- opment in Milton. I will work hard to attract new business ven- tures, such as a movie theatre, that will support our local economy and alleviate the need for Miltonians to spend their working hours and dol- lars outside of town. I am also dedicated, as a director of the Arts Milton board, in supporting the construction of an arts and entertainrent centre. To renew, enhance and make it financial- ly viable, I will encourage and promote events that will make our downtown core user-friendly throughout the year. After 30 years of employment with the Ministry of Education, Beverly Faulkner is an occasional teacher with the Halton Board of Education. She's married and has three children, who were raised and schooled in Milton. She participates actively in the life of Grace Anglican Church. She's cur- rently a member of the church council and also a synod representative. She has chaired committees, sat on boards and is past president of her alumni association. Why are you running? I am ready to contribute to the community I have called home since 1969. What are the local issues? Among other issues, a number of my constituents are concemed about the rapid growth in Milton. The problem is not the growth itself, but the perceived management of the growth. Concerns centre around the types of housing, relationship with developers and long- range plans for future development. Other members of Ward 2 are concemed about their taxes. They would not like to see a sharp increase in their taxes. Compared to other neighbouring communities, we are doing well with taxes. Young people in Ward 2 are concemed about "things to do in this town." They would like to have a movie theatre, bowling alley, bike ramps, trails and a cultural centre. How will you address them? My decision to run for council is not taken lightly. I am willing and ready to take this four-year joumey and work hard for the people who elected me to represent them on council and for the com- munity of Milton as a whole. My job on council will be to address the issues and concerns of the constituency, and to work tire- lessly to make Milton a safe and healthy community. Issues and concerns will be addressed as an elected council member, committee member, commu- nity activist and concemed citizen of Milton. My experience as an educator will put me in good stead to perform the duties of a council mem- ber. Jenmfer Mirosolin and her husband have lived in Milton for 27 years. Shes now retired from ber 32-year teaching career. She has served on numerous committees and volunteered for organizations including the Community Services Advisory Committee, the Town Smoking Bylaw Committee, Good Neighbours Day, Allendale Long-Term Care Facility and Milton Players. Why are you running? Because of the rapid growth of the town recently, I believe that being a councillor is no longer a part-time position. I believe it is a ful- time job. I would like the opportunity to look after the interests of the people in Ward 2, to lis- ten to their concems and to try to find solutions within the context of the town as a whole. Having lived in the ward for many years, I understand the needs of the residents, and I have the time to devote to addressing those needs. I would like to have a stronger voice in decisions affecting the lives of the people of the town than I have had through my volunteer efforts. What are the local issues? One of Use main issues is managing the ongo- ing explosive growth within the community. Integrating the old and new conimunities to maintain the small-town values, which is why many people came to Milton, is a challenge. How will you address them? Ensuring that the roads are able to support the increased traffic, that the transit system answers the needs of the non-drivers in the community, that recreational activities are available at rea- sonable costs, that the arts community is helped to grow and flourish, that parks are safe and well maintained, and that the roadsides are free of litter and garbage will answer part of that challenge. Encouraging citizen involvement, welcoming volunteer initiatives, openly sharing information on decisions and simplifying the bureaucratic red tape aI Town Hall will also be part of Use answer. Encouraging Town Hall to support volunteer initiatives that bring the community together like Good Neighbours Day, the Farmers' Market, Milton Steam-Era, the Milton Fall Fair, the Milton Santa Claus Parade, Canada Day celebra- tions, Winterfest or Jasper Martin Days will also draw old and new residents of Milton together. Preservation of Use historic area of downtown and of Use Mill Pond will provide a focal point for the community. Dr Sven Bacchus Certifßed Ortbodontw Specialist Smiles that last a L•fetime DDS, MSc., BSc., FRCD(C) Jim Timbers, 32, works in retail merchandis- ing. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and Master of Business Administration from York University. He has volunteered with Junior Achievement of Milton, andfor more than 15 years served as an umpire and coach with Milton Minor Baseball. Mr. Timbers has managed multi-million dollar stores and departments within budget con- straints and in excess of target results. Why are you running? I have lived in Milton my entire life and have received many benefits and lessons from the community and I would like to give some of that generosity back. I also believe that it is time for the next generation to take its place in guiding Milton into the future. In addition I feel that Milton's leadership structure is in need of new and fresh perspectives and ideas. What are the local issues? An overall lack of facilities for recreation for families and younger citizens, like a theatre. Lack of transportation options for elderly and disabled citizens. Complacency in dealing with anything beyond the short terni such as Derry Road reconstruc- tion, lack of parking in the new housing devel- opments. NOW OPEN! Braces for Children & Adults • new patients welcome flexible payment plans -no referral necessary call to book your consut • doctor on duty on Saturdays & Mondays • office open Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat. • free consultations Lack of accounta- bility and responsibil- ity among current leadership. How will you address them? Approach appropri- ate industry about locating in Milton. Such as Cineplex Odeon or Famous Players about con- structing a theatre for instance. Purchase and operate a shuttle service with one to three vehicles designed and outfitted specifically for disabled access. Change the focus from crisis management to proactive and participative leadership and plan- ning. In addition, terni limits on councillors will help eliminate the job-for-life approach some may take after an extended term in office. Make all votes recorded so councillors must stand on their records and be held accountable to their constituents if they fail to maintain their commnitments. By serving the needs of the entire community, Ward 2 or the individual citizen because to truly lead one must be willing to obey, and Use coun- cil must lead the community. 311 Commercial Street-Suite 209 Milton Tel.905-875.2995 ation Jennifer Mirosolin Jim Timbers -J