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BY SANDRA BOLAN sbolan@yrmg.com Keep finances in check, while expanding services. Both are doable and key issues for this year’s municipal election, according to Ward 3 Councillor Clyde Smith. He is seeking a third term so he can help make this happen. “I believe I can continue to make a solid contribution to the very important work of expand- ing programs and services, while keeping our taxes in line," he said. Mr. Smith realizes residents are unhappy with recent tax increases, however, what hom- eowners don’t realize is local Ward 3, which is largely rural, now takes in the southwest cor- ner of Whitchurch-Stouffville, including Gormley and Preston Lake. ELECTION 2010: Smith seeks third term in Ward 3 Councillor proud of lower taxes/good debt’ > We look forward to serving you. We’re Committed To Serving You. MARKHAM -- 5694 Highway 7, Unit 28 Monday â€"- Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 pm. are now available at these locations UNIONVILLE â€" 4580 Highway 7, Unit I Monday â€" Wednesday and Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 pm. STOUFFVILLE â€" 37 Sandiford Drive Monday â€" Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. taxes are lower in Whitchurch- Stouffville than in some sur- rounding municipalities. “When I became a councillor in 2003, our local tax rate was 20-per~cent lower, for a house of equal value, than Aurora and Newmarket. These cities were sev- eral years ahead of us in building the infrastructure needed to sup- there is good debt and bad debt. The debt the town has taken on is good debt in that it is taking out a 'mortgage’ on assets with a long life that allows us to keep taxes lower for our current residents, while ensuring that our future residents will help to pay for facilities they will benefit from," he said. “When i became a councillor in 2003, our local tax rate was 20-per~cent lower, for a house of equal value, than Aurora and Newmarket. These cities were sev- eral years ahead of us in building the infrastructure needed to sup- port their growing populations," he said. “Fast forward to 2010 and not only has our town not caught up (in residential taxes), but our tax rates are now more than 30- per-cent lower than Aurora and Newmarket. The challenge will be to continue to manage the business of the town in the finan- cially responsible way,” he said. The town’s debt is also expect- ed to take centre stage during the election. “Being a former licensed financial advisor, I can say that To renew your licence plate sticker online, and for a complete list of services available at these locations, please visit us at ServiceOntario.ca Paid for by the Government of Ontario Since there is very little resi- dential growth in his ward, Mr. Smith said the main concern for his constituents this election will be ensuring tax rates remain in line and that quality services and programs relevant to rural resi- dents be provided. “I (also) want to support the financial success of our farm- ing community and other rural enterprises," he said. Mr. Smith and his family moved from Toronto to their cur- rent Ward 3 residence in 1996. > Au plaisir de vous servir. Nous sommes déterminés a vous servir. MARKHAM â€" 5694. autoroute 7, unité ZB Lundi, mardi, mercredi et vendredi : 9 h :‘a 17 h. Jeudi29hé19h UNIONVILLE â€" 4580, autoroute 7, unité I Lundi, mardi, mercredi et vendredi : 9 h 2‘1 17 h. Jeudi:9hé19h sont maintenant offerts aux adresses-suivantes STOUFFVILLE â€" 37 Sandiford Drive Lundi au vendredi : 9 h Q 17 h Since taking office in 2003, Mr. Smith, 59, has been on boards for the Lemonville Community Cen- tre, Whitchurch-Stouffville Muse- um and Preston Lake North Shore Roads. Mr. Smith is also a town representative on the Stouffville Igoma Partnership Board, Rouge Park Alliance Board, Community Prayer Breakfast Planning Com- mittee, Operations Centre Steer- ing Committee, Bruce’s Mill Mas- ter Plan Advisory Committee and Rouge Watershed Task Force. “We love being in a lake com- munity," he said. Mr. Smith and his wife, Mar- gie, have two daughters and two grandsons. Also running for councillor of Ward 3 is Hugo T. Kroon. For more information. go to www.townofws.com/election.asp The municipal election takes place on Oct. 25. Pour renouveler votre vignette d’immatriculation en ligne et obtenir la liste compléte des services offerts é ces adresses, visitez : ServiceOntario.ca Payé par la gouvemcmem do I'Ontario CLYDE SMITH: Iwo-tenn councillor being challenged by Hugo T. Kroon in Oct 25 municipal election.