Last night was the all candidates meeting for Mayoral, Regional Chair, Wards One and Three local and regional candidates. At the beginning of the night it was a pretty packed room with well over 150 people in attendance throughout the event.
Many thanks to all who participated in the organizing of the event from the Milton Rural Residents Assocation. Top notch job done by all!
Not to diminish the positions of local and regional councillors for a second, but it seemed a good majority of people came out to hear the Mayor and Regional Chairs and what they had to say. I know while knocking on doors and talking to many of you, most are still up in the air on who to support. The more opportunities you get to hear what the candidates have to say either one on one or in a “debate” format, the better.
Another word of thanks to those of you who stayed until the end. The meeting wrapped up close to 10PM and most of you had been there from 630 on. It goes to show there is a real interest in municipal politics…one that hasnt been experienced in this town for some time.
I spoke many times throughout the evening about the need for community input and it almost seemed to be repetitive but I wanted to make sure that people recognize the need to be informed and to let your views be heard.
In order for this town to move forward as it grows requires proactive leadership on council. We need to make sure that the public is involved in the major issues that affect us and will affect the quality of life. I promised to continue to hold town hall and information session meetings throughout the next 4 years. Since the beginning of my campaign I have spoken about my pledge to continue to knock on doors in between election campaigns and not just during them. The next term of council is 4 years and we cant wait until 2010 to talk to our councillors.
I spoke about the need for citizen advisory committees for all areas of Milton in order to gain input and expertise on certain issues that councillors might not be familiar with.
There is another all candidates meeting at Country Heritage Park in the Niagara Room at 7pm for Wards One and Three candidates being held by The Halton Compass. After this there is an information session being held by the Milton Ratepayers Association on November 5th regarding the St Marys Quarry starting at 7PM.
AND…there is also a Meet Mike night at Cafe Deda on Thursday November 9th starting at 7pm. Check out www.mikecluett.ca for more information. Lots of time left to make your decision if you havent already…its not over yet!
I look forward to seeing you there at these events and at the doors.