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In this provincial election, I am offering my best efforts to serve and represent everyone in Wellington-Halton Hills. I do not boast of being "the best can- didate" that is for the voters to decide. Throughout the 17 years in which I've been privileged to serve as an MPP, I've always put my constituents first. I have lis- tened to them, been honest with them, stood up for them and, when necessary, fought for them. I understand how govern- ment works and I know how to get things done, whether in opposition or government. I believe in the promise of the future, and that Ontario's best days are yet to come. In one word, passion. Passion for what is right for the citizens of Wellington-Halton Hills, and all Ontario. And what is right is growing a public school system that is second to none. There's a lot more to be done. And what is right is ensuring our health care reaches everyone in need. I'm offended by wait times. I'm offended by stories of special needs kids having to do without. Surely, that is not what Ontario is all about. It's not what I am all about. I want to make a differ- ence. And I intend to make a dif- ference. As a resident of Halton Hills since 1982, I am familiar, and became personally involved with the issues water, quarrying, development and possible garbage dumps that our commu- nity has faced and will face again. I have been representing the Family Coalition Party since the 1990 election. Since then life and family issues have become more important and even critical for our society to prosper. As a business owner I have experience with the problems small businesses face, appreciate the value of free enterprise and competition and the problems of centralization, bureaucracy and monopolies. As the leader of a political party I can keep all issues in prospective and I have a long- term vision of where our society is directed. I have lived in the Guelph- Wellington area for the past 14 years. I graduated from the University of Guelph and current- ly work for the City of Guelph. This is my home and I want to ensure that all of the things I have learned to love about it remain for generations to come. Clean water, beautiful rivers, abundant natural areas, friendly people and a real down home feeling in all of our community centres. Nearly 70% of Ontarians place climate change and the environ- ment as their number one priority this election. My education and career thus far have been dedicat- ed to the environmental sector. I will put every ounce of strength I have to stand up for what we value in Wellington-Halton Hills. Election 2007 Five candidates have been nominated to run in the newly-created provincial riding of Wellington-Halton Hills for the Wednesday, Oct. 10 provincial election. The Independent & Free Press asked each can- didate to provide a short biography of them- selves and to answer five questions. Candidates were limited in their response to a maximum of 120 words. Their responses appear below and on pages 9 and 10. Advance poll dates Residents can get a head start on marking their X on the ballot for the Oct. 10 provincial election at advanced polls. The next advance voting day will be Thursday, October 4. Previous days were Sept. 22 and Sept. 25. Advance voting locations for Wellington-Halton Hills riding for Halton Hills residents include: Returning Office, 21 Main St. N., Acton, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Extendicare Halton Hills, 9 Lindsay Crt., Georgetown, 12-8 p.m. Gellert Community Centre, 10241 Eighth Line, Georgetown, 12-8 p.m. Remember to take identification with you when you go to vote. The Returning Officer for Wellington-Halton Hills is Joe Kuglin, 21 Main St. N. in Acton. Phone: 1-888-668-8683 (fax 519-853-5140). Hours of operation: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 12-5 p.m. The candidates Hometown: Fergus Age: 44 Occupation: 17 years as a Member of Provincial Parlia- ment Personal: married for 17 years to Lisa; they have three boys Ted Arnott Giuseppe Gori Martin LavictoireNoel Duignan Hometown: Georgetown Occupation: Teacher/depart- ment head retired Personal: Husband Tom, two adult sons Mark and Scott. Marg Bentley Hometown: Acton address, Georgetown community. Age: 57 Occupation: Leader, Family Coalition Party and self-employed businessperson. Personal: Married to Greer for 29 years. Four children: Marian- gela 27, married with three chil- dren, Annamaria 26, Maria Chris- tina, 24 and Francesco, 22. Hometown: Kitchener Age: 32 Occupation: Conservation & efficiency technician, City of Guelph Personal: Not married Question 1: Why are you the best candidate to represent Wellington-Halton Hills? Progressive Conservative Liberal New Democratic Party Family Coalition Party Green Party Hometown: Fergus Age: 59 Occupation: Self employed Personal: Separated with four sons Alec, 35, Eamonn, 33, Kyle, 30, Cein 23. After four years of Dalton McGuinty, with his double-talk, his out-of-touch government and broken promises it is time for change. People are looking for someone they can trust and someone who puts their families first. Someone that they can count on to fight for them and for fairness no matter what, and someone who will make sure that their hard work is rewarded with first rate public services, a decent living and a chance to be able to get ahead. 8 Acton/Georgetown, Friday, September 28, 2007