hawthorne villager

More Crosswalk Talk

Mike Cluett

As I’ve discussed before, there has been a lot of talk about a possible crosswalk near the Metro Plaza.  Over the past few weeks door knocking in the area, I have talked to many Ward 6 residents who are deeply concerned about safety in that area.

Its not just a Ward 6 issue, as fellow candidate Rick Dilorenzo found out.  Rick is running for local council in Ward 7 and through emails and discussions with residents on the west side of Thompson, he is hearing the same things.

Rick posted on his blog recently an email he received from Hawthorne Villager contributor and Ward 7 resident Graham W about his concerns with traffic lights and possible crosswalks in the area.

Just to update those concerned residents, Rick and I are both in contact with the engineering department of the Town of Milton to find out what indeed has to be done to ensure safety of pedestrians and drivers in the area.  It really doesn’t make sense for someone less than 500 meters from the Metro Plaza having to get into their car, drive to the mall to go shopping when crossing the street and walking is so much easier.

The reason why people don’t walk is the potential dangers of crossing Thompson during high periods of traffic, especially on the weekend and during the summer months.  Many residents have children playing soccer and want to take advantage of the great park that’s been built, but again, walking isn’t as safe for people at times and they are forced to drive their cars.

As we get more information, both Rick Dilorenzo and I will be updating our websites and of course we welcome comments and concerns from people in the area.  You can email me mike@mikecluett.ca

Until then, I’ll see you at the doors.

It’s About Communication

Mike Cluett

This time I put on sunscreen.  I had an opportunity to go knocking on some doors before the Community Services Standing Committee at Town Hall last night and I spoke with some people who live on Barr Cres.

Some people I talked with were “amazed” that I was out this early knocking on doors introducing myself as the election is a few months away (October 25, 2010)  I replied, its what they can expect from me as their town councillor as well.  Although it seems like a daunting task to many, its part of the job that should be done more often.  This is just one way to get people engaged in the community and aware of what is going on at Town Hall.  The municipal level of government touches our lives more directly in many cases that others and residents should know whats going on and how future changes will affect them in both the short and long term.

What were they talking about?

Those who I did speak with brought up their main concerns as safety in our streets.  Almost everyone I have talked to in this area brought up the fact they try to cross the street to the park on the west side of Thompson Road but almost always have to take their cars, because there isn’t a real safe place to walk across.

The Town is working on getting a light set up at Thompson and Louis St Laurent but even that wont help in the short term.  A lot of the residents I’ve spoken with would relish the idea of a crosswalk.  There are some on the west side of Thompson who feel the same way as they need to go to the Metro plaza but again, have to take their cars instead of walking 200 m.  Main reason?  Safety.

I will definitely be bringing this to the attention of the traffic department of the Town of Milton as it seems to be a growing concern.  People should be able to walk across the road instead of taking their cars…it just makes sense.

Another topic that was uniform among everyone I spoke with is communication.  They would appreciate more information from the town.  As Rob told me, that’s what my councillor should be doing.  From when road construction will begin to discussion on official plans its important people stay informed and get involved.

If elected, my pledge is to continue using my website and blog as a communication tool for residents to stay up to date on whats happening.  With the Boyne survey (south of LSL) now in the works, eventually bringing another 55,000 new residents to town, people need to know whats going on and have a say in those plans.

I also ran into Audrey who was out enjoying the nice weather as well who just moved to Milton a few months ago.  “I LOVE IT” is what she told me.  Milton is a great place to live and will continue to be a great place to live.  I introduced her to a great site called The Hawthorne Villager to introduce herself and her family’s business as well.

If you haven’t visited or read through the site, you should.  You will probably find a few of your neighbours online.  Its just another way of bringing our community a little closer together and help continue make it a great place to live.

I’ll see you at the doors.

Miltons Newest School Named After Tiger Jeet Singh

Mike Cluett
tjs troys

Just this past week the Halton District School Board chose from a number of different name options for Milton’s newest school (known before as Milton #4) and it seems to have caused some controversy.  But the selection of the name couldn’t have gone to a better person.

The new school on Yates Drive that is due to open this coming fall, will be named Tiger Jeet Singh Public School.

This honour adds to the list of accomplishments this great Miltonian has earned over the years.  Tiger Jeet Singh, along with his son Tiger Ali Singh, are world renowned for their success in the field of professional wrestling.  You may remember Tiger Ali’s stint with the WWE (Formerly World Wrestling Federation) and since then he has moved on to more international success.  The mere mention of their names in the squared circle brought their opponents to submission as they are fierce competitors in the ring.

But thats just the wrestling persona’s.  Outside the ring, they are true ambassadors to the Town of Milton and do what they can to help both their home town and home country.  The list of philanthropic activities of Tiger is head spinning.  Here is a brief list (courtesy of local historian/author John Challinor)

• $200,000 donation to community of Sujapur, India (1990) (money used to build water and sewer infrastructure)
• $100,000+ donation committed to Milton District Hospital Foundation (2006)
• $35,000 raised through his leadership with Kopz4Kids (monies were shared between Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington and Halton Healthcare facilities in Georgetown, Milton and Oakville) (2008)
• $30,000 raised through his leadership with Troy’s Diner Toy Drive (2009) (toys went to local Salvation Army and Sick Childrens Hospital in Toronto )
• $25,000 donation to Milton Historical Society to publish local book of history, Milton Streets (2008)
• Annual pilgrimage to India to donate money, including the following:
o Five buses purchased for various Sikh temples in Punjab, India, so that poor had transportation to worship (2009)
o Land purchased for college campus in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, so students could study locally as most couldn’t afford transportation to study out-of-town (2009)
o Donated monies for clothing and other items to unspecified villages (1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s)
• Raised money with professional wrestler Lord Athol Layton for Shriners Foundation (late 1970s)
• Raised money with professional wrestler Whipper Billy Watson to help expand Newmarket Hospital and raise visibility for plight of handicapped children (early 1970s)
• Anonymous large annual donor to numerous local charities (ongoing)

Humanitarian Activities:

• Non-governmental ambassador (trade) to United Nations with a mandate to reach out to South-East Asian countries (2000 – 2001)
• World-wide Economic Development Ambassador to Milton, Ontario (1980s, 1990s, 2000s)
• Drug, alcohol, education and physical fitness (Tiger-fit) awareness advocate in Canada, Japan, South-east Asia, addressing thousands of parents and students (1990s, 2000s)
• Chief Patron, Punjabi Sahit Sabha of Ontario (organization facilitates education, culture, societal value and general promotion of Sikhism) (since 1976)
• Recognized leader in Canadian South-East Asian community that members from across the country come to when in need of guidance and support (1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s)
• Annual guest of honour at major South-East Asian community religious, community, athletic events (1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s)
• Annual guest of honour at Canada Kabaddi Cup (typically alongside Prime Minister of Canada) (ongoing)

And as I said…that’s just SOME of what Tiger Jeet Singh is involved in.

Recently reported in the Toronto Star, there was a column that outlined some parts of a popular Internet forum called The Hawthorne Villager.

Here is a what I posted. 

Milton Walk of Fame Inductee Tiger Jeet Singh, Canada Day 2007

 

Not that this decision needs to be defended, but I’ll put in my 2 cents worth.I have absolutely no problem with the name chosen for the school. All of the contenders, so to speak, were highly qualified to have their name adorn the school walls.

Both Tiger Jeet and Tiger Ali Singh were named as inaugural members of Milton’s Walk of Fame…an honour highly deserved.

The Tigers (Hans family) have grown up in Milton over the course of many years. They were residents of this town long before many of us were called Miltonians. During this time, they have given back to our community. One of the Hans’ sons is a member of the Halton police force, serving and protecting our community. There were stories in the past of what they had to endure from “rabid wrestling fans” and others alike who made life for that family almost unbearable. Too many stories that this family is too proud to talk about. Lets just say life wasn’t made easy for them.

Yet they stuck it out.

Tiger Jeet Singh is a world renowned wrestler and a classy gentleman who doesnt hesitate to offer his help whenever its needed (Troys Diner and other charities) I remember during the Canada Day Celebrations of Milton’s 150th anniversary (where he along with his son were inducted into Milton’s Walk of Fame) talking with him and listening to his acceptance  speech which was quite moving. More moving still was his son’s speech (Tiger Ali) and the pride that both of them felt for their home town. They felt the honour they received by being inducted to the Milton Walk of Fame was the highlights of their lives…and given the careers both individuals had, that’s saying something.

I had the privilage of being the soccer coach of their grandson and despite hectic schedules and travelling all over the world where they are still in demand, he made it to most of his grandsons soccer games.

Through all of this they call Milton their home and they burst with pride when they do so.

There are a number (way to many too count) of Miltonians who have lived here and currently live here that deserve the honour of having a school named after them and Tiger Jeet Singh IS one of those people.

***

 As far as I’m concerned Tiger Jeet Singh is an excellent choice to name the school.  He plans on taking part in the activities, as does fellow Milton Walk of Fame member Chris Hadfield of Hadfield Public School.  The children who attend this school will be lucky to have another role model to look up to.  And its doesnt just stop at Tiger Sr.  His sons and the rest of the family also are involved in bettering our community.  One of Tiger Sr.’s sons is a member of the Halton Police force, serving and protecting the community he grew up in.  I had the privilege of coaching Anthony’s soccer team a few years back and with his experience, helped me be a better coach. 

A great honour for a great champion!  Congratulations Tiger!  This is an honour which is well deserved.   More importantly…THANK YOU!

You can also read more about the decision at Troy’s Diner Blog with even more details on what Tiger has done for Milton, and children everywhere.

Cluett Joins The Race

Mike Cluett

On one of Milton’s most popular sites, www.MiltonSearch.com, they reported Milton’s “worst kept secret.”

Cluett officially joins the race
 

In another message from the ‘worst kept secret in Milton’ department, Mike Cluett confirmed this morning via his Twitter account that he has indeed filed his paperwork and is officially a candidate in Ward 6.

Its official! Mike Cluett is a candidate for Ward 6 in the Town of Milton! #miltonvote

Mike is a great guy and his passion for the Milton community is second to none. He campaigned tirelessly around Hawthorne Village the last time around in 2006 and looks to be one of, if not THE favourite in Ward 6 in 2010.

Cluett is also visibly in touch with the community through his popular Milton blog, which he’s been posting on for at least five years now, and is also a regular contributor to the Hawthorne Villager forums.

MiltonSearch.com would like to wish Mike all the best in his run for Town Council in 2010. Mike truly is one of the good guys. As we have opined before, we strongly urge Miltonians to get out and vote in our Municipal Elections this October and elect the right people who will help to shape a positive future for our town.

Milton Walk of Fame Grand Opening

Mike Cluett

From www.milton.ca

The Walk of Fame honours Miltonian’s past and present who have earned significant national and international recognition through their enduring achievements.  Each Walk of Fame inductee is recognized in the glass corridor linking Town Hall west and Town Hall east.  The first 27 inductees will be recognized at this event.

Event to be held on Thursday October 29th at 7pm at Milton Town Hall

Was it really that long ago?  It seems like forever when the 150th Anniversary master committee started back in 2006 to come up with some ideas to commemorate Milton’s 150th anniversary.  I was honoured to be part of that committee and throughout 2007 there were a number of events to promote the town and celebrate such a substantial achievement as being 150 years old.

During that year we had the first street festival in the summer, which has now grown into an annual event.  There was also Milton’s Amazing Race, an idea born from and organized by the committee chair Karin Muller which received rave reviews as dozens of teams raced across Milton to answer questions, pick up clues and win prizes.

One of the definite highlights of my time on that committee was being part of the creation of the Milton Walk of Fame.  With the help of the Milton Historical Society and countless volunteers, we came up with a list of 27 people from Milton, who through the years reached a high level or national and or international success in their fields.  Many people are unaware that there are many famous Miltonians in different fields and the cream rose to the top with our first class in the Walk of Fame.

You can see the full list of inductees here .  Many of these people are well known, but their connection to Milton came as  a shock to many.  Mr Dressup,  Ernie Coombs was a big surprise to quite a few people along with Dr John Wallace, one of the cofounders of Blue Cross.  There are many Milton favourites such as Lt. Col. Chris Hadfield, PL Robertson, John Tonelli, Peter McDuffe and international wrestling icons Tiger Jeet Singh and his son Tiger Ali Singh.

These great Miltonians were announced at the Canada Day Celebrations of 2007  to quite the bit of fan fare in a day I wont soon forget.  Here is the brochure from the Canada Day event that lists each inductee and their bio of what made them the first members of Milton’s Walk of Fame.

Common Sense

Mike Cluett

If you head on over to the Hawthorne Villager site, you will see the results of my completely unofficial, unscientific poll regarding the salary increase for town staff and Milton Town Council.

As of today the results were…

Should Councillors be able to vote themselves a pay increase?
Yes…they deserve it for the hard work they do.
7%
 7%  [ 2 ]
Yes…but it should be effective when the next council is elected.
33%
 33%  [ 9 ]
On a case by case basis … maybe.
18%
 18%  [ 5 ]
Nope…not at all.
40%
 40%  [ 11 ]
Total Votes : 27

Im really glad the discussion on the forum isnt “hang them all” or “they are all crooks” because that would take away from the real issue and thats common sense and accountability.

No one is denying the right for our elected officials to having a fair salary for the work they do.  Milton Town Council is a part time council, meaning that most of the individuals around the council table, with exception of the Regional Councillors and Mayor, are part time.

You can not compare their salaries to those in other municipalities such as Mississauga, Brampton or even Oakville or Burlington.  The population of each of those areas are not comparable to Milton, yet. 

Generally the work thats involved for a local town councillor is they have to attend council and committee meetings (3 meetings in 4 weeks…one full council meeting and two committee meetings).  Of course they have to look after the concerns and questions of the community.

Some attend training courses (which can be debated at another time) and other municipal events throughout the months.  Im sure there are a few more items of interest that they work on, and the door is open for any current councillor to post what they do on this blog. 

With that being said, its hardly a full time job.  Some treat it as such, but in the end they dont need to be full time.

As Ive talked about in many blogs in the past, is that municipal government and our elected officials need to be more transparent and accountable to the people who elect them.

The current system of pay evaluation is faulty.  Right now, along with many other municipalities, there is a citizens committee who meets and discusses how much the elected councillors should be paid.  These committees are picked from volunteers in the community and are reviewed on a regular basis.  From there, the committee comes up with a recomendation as to how much etc, and its brought before council.

As the Mayor and other councillors have said in the past, they dont have an issue with accepting the pay increase because it is not THEM who makes the decision as to the amount, but an impartial citizens committee.

Here’s where common sense should enter the discussion.

Here in Milton, manufacturing jobs are disappearing faster than snow in June.  Retailers in the downtown core and other parts of Milton are feeling the pinch.  In some areas, spending is the same or going up, but in other areas they are barely holding on.

You cant go a day without some economic report showing how fragile our economy really is.  Am I a “doomer and gloomer”?  Not a chance.  I think the Canadian economy is on the mend and improvements will be shortly following.  This should be taken into consideration when making decisions like pay increases and prioritizing spending.

Council passed a pay increase shortly after they were elected in 2006.  Here they are again, getting a further increase of 2.5% right when we have fellow Miltonians feeling the pinch of losing jobs or wage cutbacks and manufacturing plant closures.

With many reports showing that our economy is on the mend an option for this council would be to at the very least postpone the increase until the new council is elected.  The term of council is 4 years (up from 3 years until Dalton changed that) and the salary for that position should be frozen for the term of council.  Some argue that the increase is rather small, so if thats the case, put it off for one more year.

I, along with many others, ran for town council in 2006 and we knew then what the salary would be.  For a part time position, the salary is fair and some former councillors say its too fair. 

The salary should remain the same for the duration of the term.  If any pay increases are to be made, those increases should be made effective the date the new council is sworn in.

Just makes sense.  This way, the optics of politicians making and raising their salaries is improved.  They can focus their efforts on improving the infrastructure of the town, making sound financial decisions regarding our taxes and help make the Town of Milton better.

I dont know the legalities of the pay grids that town employees are classified under, but a seperate one should be made for elected officials therefore when town staff salary increases are improved, the optics of elected officials direclty impacting their pay is gone…and problem is solved.

Am I wrong here?  Doesnt that make common sense to you?