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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 5, 2007 - 9 NDP has its candidate By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Oakville's NDP Party has never seen this much competition. For the first time in history, four candidates were in the running to lead the local party in the upcoming October election. After a close race that went to the third ballot, financial activist and writer Tony Crawford won the candidacy at Thursday's nomination meeting held at Town Hall. Seeking his first term in politics, Crawford beat out former Halton District School Board Trustee David Abbott and teachers Dave Toms and Michelle Bilek. "It was really something I didn't expect," Crawford said of the win. "It was good competition, and I really appreciate the people who did support me." The Oakville resident said the NDP "has a stronger platform than they've had for a long time." Issues he'll be pushing for Oakville are along the same lines as those concerning the province. "There's health, there's education funding, there's job security, and all the things that we talk about at the NDP, environment, waste management. The big one for me is social responsibility," Crawford said. "What I mean by that is safeguards for consumers in a general way, and responsible government Tony Crawford "The big one for me is social responsibility." Tony Crawford, Oakville NDP candidate as well for the citizens of Canada." More than 30 people turned up Thursday to vote for their candidate of choice, according to Oakville NDP Communications Director Sean Cain. "It was very close ­ we had to go through three ballots," Cain said. Candidates must win by 50 per cent plus one vote, something that wasn't attained until the third round of ballots was counted. "We had such high quality candidates, and we actually had very diverse candidates," Cain said. The party managed to raise more than $2,000 Thursday through pledges, another encouraging sign that the NDP is gaining popularity in Oakville, Cain said. "We've never raised that much in one night. There was a lot of energy and enthusiasm at the meeting, which was really great." Crawford filed his nomination papers in April, and says he's been preparing his platform for quite some time. His top issue is funding for education and finding a "common funding formula." "If I was in politics and I achieved that, that would be my proudest moment," Crawford said. "I think we need to work out a way to be more inclusive." And "to ensure students aren't in debt after they learn what we've asked them to learn," the candidate added. Also high on Crawford's list ­ the environment. He says more education is needed to teach people how to identify how much energy they're consuming, and where they can save. "I'm all for conservation. I think Canadians consume so much, they can save a lot," Crawford said. He pledges to also "work for people's welfare," which includes consumer protection for their homes and money. While Crawford admits he's "quite nervous" about running for the first time, he's confident at the same time. "We're going to do well," he said, "I'm looking forward to it." CARRIERS WANTED The Oakville Beaver The Oakville Beaver is looking for newspaper carriers in your neighbour hood! Support your local carrier BROADCLOTH 115cm only 1.99 m 150cm only 3.33 m Huge Selection! FLANNELETTE PRINTS & SOLIDS from 2.99 m ARCTIC FLEECE Solids from 6.99 m Prints from 8.99 m McCALL'S 5465 Better than Half Price! And Members Save 25-50% off our regular prices on almost everything else not already on sale! Not a Member? Ask about becoming a Member today! SILK DAMASK CUSHIONS 50% Off Our Reg. Price FANCY VOILE PANELS only 9.97 ea. COMFORTER SETS 4 pc. from 89.99 ea. 7 pc. from 99.99 ea. LET'S GET QUILTING! Our Entire Stock! McCALL'S 4941 DRESS KNIT PRINTS & FANCIES only 4.99 m Hardware New Styles! CRAFT/QUILT FABRIC Collection 1 1/8" DECORATIVE HARDWARE Members Save Coordinated FASHION FABRIC Collections Join our carrier club 33% Off Our Reg. Price 50% Off Reg. Price Everyday! Non-Members save 40% off regular price 30% Off Our Regular Price As featured in Simplicity Catalogue Earn extra money and win prizes Many routes still available Call immediately for more information Sale in effect August 27-September 16, 2007 on selected merchandise. Pick up a flyer in-store. Insertion Date: September 5, 2007 OPENWednesday, 5 X 91 (or other) 12-5 SUNDAYS (or other) Insertion Size: 844-7728allows. Please140 relevant address info in OAKVILLEbig844-7728 set all Rebecca St. this space in reverse, & bold as space 905-845-9742