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6 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,June 8, 2010 OPINION As it stands today, Halton Hills residents would not have to go to the polls on Monday, October 25 to vote in the municipal election. It's not that our fair town is getting an exemption from this fall's race-- the first since 2006 (previously municipal elections were held every three years until legislation changed that to four years), it's simply that, to date, only incumbents have registered to run. No challengers. None. Nada. The 11 members of Halton Hills council wouldn't have to worry about having election signs printed, running a campaign or any of the other issues surrounding an election campaign. Heck, even the school board trustee positions-- one each for both the public and Catholic boards-- are filled as this is written. Earlier this year the two public board positions for Halton Hills were cut to one based on a population/representation formula that saw Halton Hills lose one position and Milton gain one. Regardless of whether or not one believes our current crop of politicians have done a good job or not over the past four years, stagnancy falls just behind apathy on the list of things that are unhealthy when it comes to the democratic process. Between now and the close of nominations on September 10 we suspect there will be other candidates putting their names forward. At least, we certainly hope so. For anyone interested in being a candidate check out the Town's website at www.haltonhills.ca and click on the 2010 municipal election link. Wanted: candidates 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@independentfreepress.com) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@independentfreepress.com) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@independentfreepress.com) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@independentfreepress.com) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@independentfreepress.com) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@independentfreepress.com) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@independentfreepress.com) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@independentfreepress.com) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@independentfreepress.com) WEB POLL RESULTS With security costs for the G20 and G8 summits likely to hit nearly $1 billion, do you support Canada hosting these summits? · Yes (16%) · No (84%) Steve Nease Go to www.independentfreepress.com Letters to the editor Region `ruining' Halton Hills Dear editor, Halton Region's action are slowly suffocating our towns. Every one of us who owns property and pays taxes could be wealthier than we are today if there was strong leadership and a willingness to correct the immense problems our Town faces. It is the Region's mandate to provide water and sewage capacity to Halton Hills. Even though Georgetown has been granted some relief, Acton has been dry for over a decade. This negligence results in zero industrial growth and a lack of taxes which leads to a lack of amenities, such as new arenas and other recreational needs. This results in the added burden of additional taxes for the residents. Without new blood from new industry that raises money for all of the services that make our Town so socially responsible, we will wither on the vine. We need new business with new money to help sustain what we have. Trying to deal with the Region on these issues is like being dropped into a huge swamp in heavy boots with no reference points on how to get out. All you do is slosh around going in circles until you eventually pass out. The recent article in The Independent & Free Press of how two local businessmen were asked to pay $72,000 for services the Region cannot provide is the spark that should unite us all into realizing how little regard other members of the Region have for Halton Hills. Our mayor and regional councillors understand these dilemmas and hopefully against overwhelming odds will help shape policies that benefit us all. The Region and Halton Hills have development officers who are good, hard-working people, whose job description would include attracting new business to our Region, but with the highest development charges in the GTA, no water, a negative attitude towards business and little or no knowledge how a successful business runs, one is between a rock and a hard place. I feel we have a tough row to hoe until necessity frees the pendulum to sway in the opposite direction which will result in lower taxes and a higher standard of living for all our citizens. David W. McNally, Georgetown Doctors thanked Dear editor, The Region of Halton recognized physicians in their community by hosting its eighth annual physician appreciation week (May 3-7). Throughout the week, a series of events and initiatives were held to thank physicians for their dedication to their community and patients. Ontario's doctors have already made great strides in strengthening the system by helping more than 900,000 patients find a doctor, who did not have one, performing more tests and surgeries, providing more after-hours care, and embracing and encouraging the implementation of electronic medical records. Just as important as treating patients, doctors have increasingly taken on leadership roles in advocating and promoting healthier lifestyles, protecting our children and helping to make communities across Ontario safer. I would like to thank the Region of Halton for recognizing physicians and I want to congratulate my colleagues for their hard work and commitment to care for their patients in the community. Dr. Mark MacLeod, President, Ontario Medical Association Letters to the editor policy Letters must include an address and daytime telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. 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