The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, November 4, 2003-25 Don Gordon Del Oxford Don Gordon, president of the Milton-based Dressor Crane & Hoist Ltd., has been a self-employed businessman for more than 25 years. He has previous municipal council experience as a member of the Elliot Lake city council.. He founded the Crane & Hoist Service Association in 1990. The asso- ciation works to solve problems in the material handling industry. In 1991, he was appointed chairman of two Canadian Standards Association committees, which write standards to make products and services safer. He has been a church counsellor, director of the Davey Home for the Aged, co-chairman of the North Channel Economic Development Corporation and either a director or volunteer on numerous other not-for- profit organizations. He's also a member of the Shriners organization, which has raised money to bring about-the opening of some of the best burn centres in the world. He has three sons. Why are you running? I am a strong believer that if you are successful in life you have a moral obligation to give back to your industry, your community and others who are less fortunate. What are the local issues? One of the most important issues as I see it, is improved shopping. We need a larger variety of shop- ping options. Many of our hard-earned, local dollars are being spent in other communities. This is a shame as well as an inconvenience. We also need more industry, better road access into Milton and more police to serve this growing community. How will you address them? While some of these issues are regional in nature, it is our responsibility as councillors to convey our needs to the Region and work with them to find solutions. If elected, I will work hard to make Milton a better community in which to work, live, shop and raise your children. Wendy Schau Wendv Schau is a 59-year-old retired teacher. She has grown up, taught and raised her family in Milton. Her most recent leadership experi- ences have been ai her church, St. Paul's United on Main Street. She has been chair of the Church Council and currently serves as chair of the Outreach Committee and member of Church Council and is on the Board of Trustees. Shes also the chair of the Milton Affordable Housing Coalition. Along with Habitat Halto.n, the coali- tion is working to build a 'Habitat Home' in Milton. Ms Schau is also a former president of Milton Community Nursery School and the Halton Women Teachers Association. Why are you running? I decided to run because I believe Milton is a wonderful community and that, as a town coun- cillor, I will be able to work with other commit- ted people to make it an even better place. It will require insightful, forward-thinking leaders to keep the positive qualities of our town while responding to the challenges of accelerated growth. Through my community activities, t have learned about issues affecting Milton and Halton region, and developed my understanding of local govemiment and how it functions. I believe I have the skills and attitudes that are needed on town council. What are the local issues? The primary issue is retaining and building on Milton's strengths as a community, while the town grows. The fol- lowing immediate concerns fit under that main issue. We need facilities, like a bowl- ing alley, movie the- atre or youth centre, where young people can go and spend time with their friends. We need to improve our transportation systerm to make it easier to get around town, reduce our reliance on cars and protect our air quality. We also need more affordable rental housing so people don't have to leave Milton to find a place they can afford. How will you address them? Through my community work, I have learned about the characteristics of a healthy communi- ty. A healthy community has a strong econorny and the services that we need to live a good life. It has thriving businesses, a busy downtown, convenient transportation, walkable neighbour- hoods, lots of greenspace, clean air and water, and good recreational, cultural and educational facilities. I plan to work hard, in co-operation with my colleagues on town council, to find solutions to existing problems and plan well for tie future. t will be guided by the vision of Milton as a healthy community. Del Oxford, 53, has worked for the Region of Peelfor more than 30 years. He's currently a member of the Milton Community Services Advisory Committee, a board member of the Milton Bingo Charities Association and president of the Navy League of Ontario's Milton branch. In the past, Mr. Oxford has served as president of the Militon Bingo Charities Association, pres- ident of Friends of Chaudiere and officer in the Milton Army Cadets. He co-founded the Milton Sea Cadets and was commanding officer. He has also canvassed for the United Way, Salvation Army and Kidney Foundation. Why are you running? I have lived in Milton for 25 years and have been involved in the community for 22 years in different areas and interests. I have gained a workable knowledge of the community, its peo- ple and how town govermment works. At the same time I hear the people of Milton saying it is time for a change in local council. I have the experience and the confidence to run for council. I have no established ties with any business, land developer, real-estate company or special inter- est group. This puts me in position of owing no one a favour. This together with my desire to do community service makes running for council the next logical step. What are the local issues? I feel the local issues are urban growth, citi- zens' safety, respect- ing our seniors, cre- ating local employ- ment and making sure our tax dollars are spent wisely. How will you address them? Starting with growth, I know we realize it is here and it will continue. Knowing this is the case, I will work with developers to get an agreed control of development and growth for both residential, retail and manufacturing. This will allow a larger tax base to assist the home owner, a opportunity for their children to have part-time jobs and full-time jobs for the family wage earner. In the area of citizens' safety, I want to look at bringing ahead the construction date for grade separation for the railway line on Main Street and Thompson Road. In addition, I will support the investment in our fire department for more full-time firefight- ers and better hall locations. I want our seniors' community to be assisted in any way possible so they may remain in their homes with dignity and respect. t support all ' endeavours to this end. Darlene Wasilkowsky Darlene Wasilkowsky has 15 y'ears of commer- cial banking experience. She spentfioir years as the general manager of the Milton Downtown Business Improvement Area. She has sat on and been an active member of many action groups such as the Save the Mill Pond Committee, Arts Milton and Expansion of the New Downtown Planning Committee. Ms Wasilkowsky spent almost nine years organizing events for the Town of Milton such as Canada Day, Milton Santa Claus Parade, con- certs in the park and festivals. She also planned the homecoming parade for astronaut Chris Hadfield. Why are you running? I am running because I care what happens to this town. Milton has been my home for the past 20 years. It's a great family town and I want to help in any way I can to make the correct deci- sions to make it even better. We need businesses to move into this area and fill the voids such as family entertainment, theatres, bowling alley, arts complex and so on. The family that plays together, stays together. We are in need of com- mercial and retail businesses to move here for shopping. Every year we lose thousands of dol- lars to our neighbouring conmunities where our Miltonians are forced to go to shop because they can't find it here. That has to stop. What are the local issues? Future vision is extremely important as this town explodes in population. Issues include: • Having enough schools • Upgrading our transit system • Traffic lights placed in now high- traffic areas of the older subdivisions • Bringing busi- nesses as well as recreation into Milton • Building overpasses on the major roads where the railway crossings are at level • Having a south service road that parallels Hwy. 401 (should have been thought of long ago) to take the pressure off the streets near res- idential areas. • Stopping urban sprawl. • Having balanced growth I could go on and on but I will leave it as that. How will you address them? One at a time, dealing with the most crucial ones first. Motto: Just do it! Stop talking and get on with a plan of action before it's too late. No more spinning the wheels. I promise to assist in any way possible in bringing about what I have mentioned if elected. I love this town and it can only get better if things are done right. OWatch your Canadian Champion on Friday, November 7th for your 4-page pull out on WRemembrance Day" Brought to you by the Royal Canadian Legion and community minded businesses.