The Canadian Champion, Friday, December 1, 2006 - A13 Keene taking another shot at Conservative nomination By Melanie Hennessey CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF Miltonian D'Arcy Keene is taking another shot at the local Conservative nomination now that Halton MP Garth Turner has been told he can't run under the Tory banner again. The long-time party support- er, who was defeated by Turner in the 2005 nomination contest, announced Tuesday that he'u be seeking the candidate position again for the next federal elec- tion. "The Conservatives in Halton deserve a candidate who will honestly represent their views as a member of the Stephen Harper team," said the 46-year-old. WVhile outspoken MP Turner was known to not always tow the party uine, Keene bas pledged teo "remain faithful to our party and constituents once elected." "In the last election, people in our community voted for our partys platform of lower taxes, accountability in government and stronger law and order," be said. "Any MP elected because of his partys platform needs to remain true to the principles be campaigned on." K ee ne , who works in the informa- tion tecbnol- ogy sector, bas a long history tn Conservative party politics at the provin- D'Arcy Keene cial and federal levels. He stood as a federal candidate twvice in the past, served as a vice presi- dent of the Ontario Progressive Conservative party under Mike Harris and managed and chaired several campaîgns. "With my experience and background, l'm confident we can keep Halton in the Conservative family," he said, adding he would start cam- paigning immediately if nomi- nated to ensure Halton is ready for the next election. And in that next election, Keene said he sees the Conservative party moving for- ward wvitb its economic agenda and its push for îoughening up on criminals. "As Milton grows, it (crime) is goîng to become more of an issue for us," he said. Keenes name was recently in the news, since it was thought he may mun against Turner for the nomination in September. He was encouraged to con- test Turner by the Defend Manriage Coalition, whîcb bas promised to try to overthrow MPs who favour same-sex mar- niage. But in the end, he didnt go for the spot. He told The Champion in September that while be received a lot of support from the communîty. he felt there wasn't enough time to sign up the new members needed to challenge Turner at the nomina- tion meeting. The Conservatives had only allowed about one week for nomination candidates to state their intentions and for new members to sign up. Wben asked if the Defend Marriage Coalition encouraged him to mun this time around, Keerie said no. He noted he does support the traditional defini- tion of marriage and reopening the same-sex marriage debate. Accordîng to Halton Conservative riding association president Patric Whyte, the next nomination meeting could be held as early as mid-January. He also saîd a nomination commît- tee could be established this montb. Melanie Hcnnessey <an be reachcd at nhennesseyam ilItoni- can adian champion. com. Find Out What Your Home is Worth On-Lune Visil: www.baltonhomeevaluation.com P I., C,,C,Ir, Raty BrkHd, FUNALLY,A REPORT CARDYOUR CHULD CAN SMILE ABOUT Oxford Learning is the only after-school learning program of its kind for grades one to twelve. First, we pinpoint how your child Iearns using our Dynamic Diagnostic AssessmentTM. Then, we create an indivdualized program that goes beyond tutoring to teach vour child to learn and study more effective1v - to reach hîs or her fu potential. Better grades, motivation and AI S. 18 confidence follow. Give your child a lifetime of learning success. A Contct xfod Lernig tdayLEARNINGj Contct xfor Lernin toav.Skils for Success, Lessons for Lfe 917 Nipissing Rd 1 905.693-9978 1 www.odfordleamning.com Tusd, DcS Or t edïie jo te M*to emp* 'I Oessdmlon.a oryo hac *Sefl os t al o* .febssei Iton.SI 'I BlE l oin the many people DESIG who agree not to FR drink alcoholic beverages .. and te, drive everyone in iheir O group home safely.