milton election 2006

I had the opportunity earlier this afternoon to go out and hit a few doors seeing how I like most other parents had their children home for their PA day.

After a long week of all candidates meetings and information sessions, and trick or treating, our friend Keith called us up to head out to the Milton Ice Hawks game at Milton Memorial Arena. I havent had an opportunity this season to catch a game, so I (being a hockey fan and all) jumped at the chance.

They were playing Buffalo and there was quite a crowd on hand to see a pretty close game. It ended in a 2-2 score, even after overtime.

It was good to see a lot of people out supporting our local team. Many of the kids there were wearing the blue and white of Milton Hockey and other Ice Hawks items. They’ll be playing my old home town team on the 10th (Bramalea Blues) so I might head out to that game as well.

Tomorrow begins another hectic weekend of door knocking and meeting people in ward one. The time is drawing closer to election night on November 13th. I can see into the distance and spot the finish line as more hands are shoke and doors knocked on…there is an end to all of this. An end, but yet a beginning as well.

Its something that I have promised to do and quite frankly an elected representative SHOULD do, and thats to keep in touch with people. There are so many ways to get input and provide information. Some have critisized that this is much to informal a way of communication. Over the course of a day, I get anywhere between 10-30 emails from residents in our ward. Some give encouragement and some ask questions of me and what I stand for on Milton issues.

I think that this (being the internet site) is mearly and extention of my eyes and ears and provides you with just one more way of getting your opinion heard. This in no way will replace the face to face visits that your elected representative is obliged to do…it simply compliments it.

It almost begs the question … of the candidates running in this or any other ward for that matter … why arent they making the same committment to you? They all seem to pledge that they will communicate with you. But how? Some of their plans lack specifics regarding communication.

Dont you feel you deserve better?

I’ll see you at the doors.

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.

Last night was a lot of fun. While walking Anthony around parts of Barclay Circle, Yates Drive and Coopers we saw many creative Halloween displays, costumes and not surprisingly VERY polite and well mannered children. Instead of yelling and screaming we heard “Happy Halloween!” and “Thank-you’s” from a majority of the children with their full bags of candies and colourful costumes.

It was nice to see a lot of the parents get involved as well, dressing up in monster get ups and going all out to make the best of the event. The weather was better than expected as most of the “weather people” on TV were predicting rain and cold wind. I for one am very glad that it held up.

The events of last night speak volumes to the community that we in our area have now developed for close to 6 years. Our bunch of homes in the middle of an old field have now become a true community. Many of us know each other by names and faces and it was great to get a chance to chat with a lot of you last night.

Some asked me “What are you dressed as? A politician!??!” I replied, yes, but one whos on break for one night only.

Today I will be doing some preparation for this evenings Ward One All Candidates meeting that is being held by the Milton Rural Residents Association at the Milton Sports Centre starting around 7pm. The first half of tonights get together will be the Mayors and Regional Chair meeting followed afterwards (roughly around 8:30 or so) with the Ward One local councillors and regional councillor candidates. There will be index cards circulated througout the banquet hall and you will have an opportunity to ask questions of the candidates on the issues important to you. Please check out with Milton Rural Residents Assocation website for more information.

There is another all candidates meeting tomorrow night as well at Country Heritage Park which should also be a lot of fun.

I’ll see you at the meetings AND at the doors.