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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday October 14, 2006 - 5 The views in Ward 4 By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Change You Can Trust Who is Chris Stoate? CHRIS HAS BEEN AN OAKVILLE TOWN COUNCILLOR, representing Ward 3 since 2003. Despite family and business obligations, Chris entered municipal politics because he knew the best way to make a difference was to get directly involved and learn how municipal government works. CHRIS IS ALSO THE PRESIDENT OF LASERNETWORKS, a company he founded in 1987. LaserNetworks employs 100 people in North America, including 60 in its Oakville head office. The Company has appeared three times in Profit Magazine as a high growth company, has twice been a finalist in the Oakville Awards for Business Excellence, and in 2002 was the winner in the Manufacturer of the Year category. Chris believes passionately in working to improve the quality of life for the people of Oakville. Rather than sit on the sidelines and complain about the problems, Chris made a commitment to become part of the solution. While the Ward 4 Town council seat is up for grabs and results won't be in until Nov. 13, there are a few certainties. A first-time councillor who lives and works in the ward, and has a strong background in finances, will be Jeff Gareau elected. These things apply to Jeff Gareau and Roger Lapworth, who are in the two-man race to replace Councillor Renee Sandelowsky, who isn't seeking reelection. "I feel l can serve the interests of all stakeholders in Oakville a lot better than the previous representation that we had," said Gareau, a senior financial consultant who's running for Ward 4 town councillor for the second time, after earning 26 per cent of the vote in 2003. "I'm an experienced financial manager, and in terms of being a community leader, there's not too many people of my caliber who are running," added Gareau, who won an Oakville Community Spirit Award in 2005 -- Individual Volunteer of the Year -- for his volunteer work, which includes service as director and president of MADD Halton/Peel Region from 2003­2005, vice-chair of the Parks and Rec Advisory Committee, a director on the Oakville Chamber of Commerce board, chair of Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion, chair of the Halton Easter Seals District Council and a head soccer coach. "I feel that given all the executive experience I have and all the volunteer experience that I have, I Roger Lapworth can do a much better job on council to make sure we're engaging in common sense decision making." As for Lapworth, a tax consultant with 40 years of financial management under his belt, he decided to run for council after spending the last two years, he says, "familiarizing myself with the key players and the process at Town Hall," attending numerous What Does Chris Stand For? Chris strongly believes we need a new attitude of how to get things done, rather than wasting time and energy explaining why we can't. As Mayor, Chris believes he can make a difference in the areas that affect our quality of life: 1- Planning and Development 2- Creating a Business Friendly Community 3- Recreational and Arts Facilities 4- Property Taxes 5- The Environment meetings. Lapworth says he got "so deeply involved" that Sandelowsky asked him if he would run for office. "She and Allan Elgar (Ward 4 town and regional councillor) have worked hand in hand, as a very, very strong team for Ward 4 and for the whole of Oakville for the last three years. I get along great with the both of them, and if elected, I'll continue to work with Allan Elgar." Elgar has been acclaimed. Lapworth, a father of two, and his wife of 13 years, Gina, has lived in West Oak Trails the past nine years. Among Lapworth's top campaign issues is improving the Town's services and facilities ­ sports fields, transit, libraries, rec centres, all things he says "We're way behind on." "We need further enhanced police, fire and most importantly, bylaw enforcement people. The town has thousands of bylaws, but no one to enforce them." To improve these services, Lapworth said, "The town needs to figure out how much money it's got to work with. That's the bottom line." That's why, if elected, the budget will top Lapworth's list of priorities. Chris is the only candidate in this election with proven business success combined with experience in municipal politics. To learn more about how Chris Stoate will make a difference, visit us online @ www.votestoate.ca See Taxes page 8 at the OAKVILLE CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Friday, October 20/06 Showtime at 8:00 PM Tickets at the Box Office 905-815-2021