The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

10 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday August 17, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Majority vote needed to support MMP system Continued from page 8 electoral districts vote for Mixed Member Proportional and at least 60 per cent of all the referendum ballots across the province choose the alternative system recommended by the Citizens' Assembly. The next government would have to introduce a law to officially make Mixed Member Proportional Ontario's new electoral system, by December 31, 2008. "Elections Ontario, and candidates like me, have a big job ahead in educating people in Ontario over the next 53 days," said Byers. But those in the audience who have studied the proposal see as many advantages as disadvantages in electing 70 per cent of the legislature and appointing 30 per cent. Such as: · Worry that the split will create animosity between elected MPPs, who are accountable to their riding "The good part is that it takes the decision out of voting for the party or the person." Mike Pescod WE WANT YOUR SERVICE Oil & Filter Change Tire Rotation Tire Rotation & Balance Coolant Flush Brake Fluid Flush Brake Pad Replacement (front or rear) Battery Replacement *Some restrictions apply and all taxes extra. Offer expires August 31, 2007. $49.95 $19.95 from $49.95 from $79.95 from $89.95 $152.95 starting at $159.95 VOLVO OF OAKVILLE 770 Pacific Road 905-825-8088 | service@volvoofoakville.com and those appointed, who only have to answer to their party. · A mixed system could invite other professions into the legislature and more people who don't want to endure a campaign trail or have the financial resources for an election, but want to contribute to public service. · A new proportional setup could mean the end of winning an election with less than 50 per cent of voter support. · The party lists, which are compiled and made public in advance of the election, could be construed by voters as patronage appointments. · But the accompanying rationales for each party's list could reveal a lot about the quality of its leader. · A more representative legislature could possibly reduce voter apathy and increase voter turnout. "The good part is that it takes the decision out of voting for the party or the person," said Mike Pescod. "But then again, splitting a vote like that only gives candidates 50 per cent of our support," said Blake Taylor, who will put an `X' in the `No' box on the referendum ballot. Byers said he hasn't decided, yet, how he will vote in the referendum because he's waiting to get more feedback from those he meets on the campaign trail. He suggests voters do the same, as well as read newspaper editorials and log on to the elections Ontario website (www.yourbigdecision.ca). He also suggests voters keep in mind the wisdom of Winston Churchill: "That a democracy is not perfect, it's just better than all other systems." It's our Birthday Bash! FREE Burgers, Hot Dogs & Cake for our valued customers Saturday August 18 from 11am to 3pm We Are Celebrating 15 Fantastic Years In Oakville Birthday Wine & Beer Sale 5 Days Only Starting Thursday, August 16, 17, 18, 19 & 21 Closed Monday Prepared by you on site. Purchase One Batch of Wine or Beer at Regular Price and Receive the Second Batch of Equal or Lesser Value For 1/2 Price 481 North Service Road W. 905-825-BEER (2337) 3rd Line Some conditions apply, see store for details. Valid August 16 to August 21/07. Limit 4 batches per customer. Take Advantage of this Once a Year Sale to Have your Aged Wine Ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas! North Service Rd. EIN STEIN 4th Line Dorval 481 Q.E.W. HOURS: MON. closed. TUES.-FRI. 12-8, SAT. 9-5, SUN. 11-3 481 North Service Rd. JUST WEST OF DORVAL 905.825.BEER 2337