OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, September 24, 2009 · 2 Presented By: Economy Khan's priority Continued from page 1 International Union of Operating Engineers put a lot of effort into this. First of all, I want to building on Speers Road. Supporters donning buttons, signs and red sleep, eat some good food and relax a little." A meeting with longtime, former Oakville shirts bearing different candidates' names packed the lobby, offering everything from Liberal MP Bonnie Brown is next. "Bonnie has been at this for such a long brochures to coffee and mini-chocolate bars to time and I'm a newbie, so I need a strong advi- gain votes as members passed through to the sor like her," he said. "I also want to talk to the voting area. The event started at 6 p.m., with other candidates and get their each of the five candidates giving a views." short speech. Following the speechThe economy is at the top of es, polls were open from 7-10 p.m. Khan's priority list when it comes to Khan was announced as the winner issues affecting the people of just before 11 p.m. Oakville and the country. The latecomer to the race, opera Khan said he has never met or singer Stuart Howe, was the first spoken with new Liberal Leader one at the podium for the speech Michael Ignatieff, but believes he is portion of the evening. He said the the right person to head the party. Mary Liberals must take back the country "I think it is a new type of leader- Chapin and offered a list of issues he'd like to ship," he said. "I think he is an intelsee the party tackle, like reducing lectual and an inspiration. People debt, investing in green technolowere against him because he is so gies and improving our foreign poliworld-travelled, but I think he cy. brings a different insight into our "The Canada we want today and Canadian culture and I'm really the Canada we want for our children excited about that. I think he is is not the Canada of Stephen going to be able to lead our party Harper," Howe said. "I am here and our government in the right tonight to take a stand. I'm standing direction." up for my country, I'm standing up Khan said he's ready if and when Darla for my community and I'm standing Campbell an election is called. up for my party and I will stand up "Going into this, we knew an for you... Together, we can take election might be called early, so back this government and together, part of this was preparing ourselves we can take back this country." not only for the nomination, but for Oakville businesswoman Darla an election, so I think we are ready," Campbell was the only candidate to he said. create a scene similar to that of the Khan said his responsibilities as recent Liberal leadership convention. Town councillor will likely not be She walked into the room impacted during his campaign to accompanied by Bryan Adams' become the next Oakville MP. Connie Can't Stop This Thing We Started "In the past, councillors have sat Laurin-Bowie from his album Waking Up The during elections," he said. "I have Neighbours, following dozens of been elected by my ward and they supporters wearing Campbell shirts, expect me to represent them. " waving signs. Mayor Rob Burton was one of The focus of her message was Khan's biggest supporters throughgetting people out to vote in the out the race. next federal election. "I've worked with him for almost "I chose the (Adams) album three years on council and he has because that is exactly what we need impressed me and several others to do here in Oakville," said member of council with what a Campbell. "How many of you are smart and hardworking guy he is Stuart ready to wake up the neighbours and we respect his credentials and Howe and get them out to the next elecexperience," Burton told the Beaver at the meeting Tuesday night. "He's a very tion to vote Liberal? In the last election, we lost impressive man and I thought he was the best because people stayed at home. We had better policies. We had better ideas. We had a better candidate." Although Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn said he vision for Canada, but we had voter apathy." Khan had many supporters in the room, was not endorsing any one of the nominees, he hoped the new candidate would lead the blue who broke into applause many times throughout his speech. riding back to red. He focused on what Canada used to be "We really need a change in Ottawa," said Flynn. "I try to play an even hand and am not under the Liberals, and what the Conservatives that partisan of a person... but despite working have done since coming into power. Khan said he was especially frustrated with with the Conservatives in Ottawa on the stimulus plan, I think something needs to be Harper's reaction to the recession. "Every economist, every professor and every replaced and this country has to go in a differmedia outlet said we were in a recession, but ent direction." The announcement of the winner was the Harper said there is no recession," Khan said. culmination of a hectic night at the A Fa mily Th a n ksgivi ng Monda y LIVE WHEN: Monday, October 12, 2009 WHERE: Heritage Square, Oakville WHAT: 9:45 am - 5k Run 9:50 am - 5k Power Walk 11:00 am - Officer Ellie's 1k Run/Walk Corporate/Team Challenge PLUS: SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS Presented by State Farm Agent Stacey Sutherland www.5ksmrunforhope.com Technical caps for the first 250 5k Run/Power Walk registrants* * Supplied by EmbroidMe Title Sponsor All proceeds go to www.kerrstreet.com Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsors ® Silver Sponsors Enabling Engineering Innovation Silver Sponsor Bronze Sponsors GRAND OPENING SEPT. 25-26 ALL CONTRACTORS WELCOME GRAND OPENING SPECIAL Under Mount Stainless Steel Double Bowl Sink With Purchase of Kitchen Countertop Installed Minimum 35 sq. ft.. Cannot be combined with any other special or discount. Coupon must be presented. Limited time offer. F R EE 1236 Speers Road, Unit 6, Oakville 905.825.9077 See Liberal page 4