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Is public property theplace for election signs?By Kim Arnottcillor Cathy Duddeck, who I cannot beSPECIAL TO THE BEAVERsaid she believes the signs comfortable voting forcreate safety concerns when raising barriers for Are election signs messy,they obstruct sightlines or challengers.but important indicators of ablow over, and are also a PREMIUM OUTDOORvital democracy? Or wastefulsource of dissension among and out-of-control eyesoresOakville Mayor Rob Burtoncandidates and a target for that block sight lines andvandals.endanger public safety?Its become somewhat FURNITURE SALE!Oakville councillorsof an election game, she newcomers to build nameargued both sides of thatsaid, noting the candidates recognition among the elec-position when a proposedare often trying to top one torate.ban on election signs onanother by building taller Incumbents have antown property was consid-signs, which can effectively advantage in elections byered by the townsresult in a virtual wall of name recognition, saidAdministrative Servicessigns at some intersections.Janet Haslett-Theall, presi-committee on TuesdayAs part of the package of dent of the Joshua Creeknight.proposed changes to the Residents Association, whoUnder the proposal,Sign Bylaw, councillors were argued that the signs shouldbrought forward as part of aurged to reconsider the be allowed for the benefit of package of updates to thetowns ban on the use of political newcomers. towns Sign Bylaw, electioncolour on mobile signs.Mayor Rob Burton agreed,signs would still be allowedLawyer Scott Snider, who saying, I cannot be com-on private property butspoke on behalf of Advantage fortable voting for raisingwould be banned on publicSigns, said the decade-old barriers for challengers.lands owned by the town andban appeared to be imposed But Ward 5 councillorregion.as a way of ridding the town Jeff Knoll argued that get-That would put an end toof large fluorescent letters ting the signs off publicExclusivethe often large collection of on mobile signs.property would simply be aDistributorsigns that sprout up alongHowever, new technology reasonable restriction, intown roadways and at busyhas allowed for the creation keeping with many otherstreet corners during everyof full-colour signs that are restrictions imposed on howUPSCALE DESIGNER DECORelection campaign.at least as attractive as the elections are conducted.Burlington andblack and white models cur-We put lots and lots of AT A PRICEMississauga have imposedrently permitted, he said.controls on what you cansimilar bans on electionOur complaint with the and cant do during an elec-YOU CAN LIVE WITH.signs on public property.current bylaw is that it is tion process, he argued.Although the committeeusing a sledgehammer pro-Good governance includesvoted 4-2 to defeat the pro-hibition to crack a fluores-regulation.posal, the arguments willcent lettering nut, he Knoll also suggested alikely be rehashed with equalargued, suggesting the town ban could benefit challeng-passion at next Mondayscould simply ban the uses it ers more than incumbents,council meeting.doesnt want, not all colour as newcomers have a moreOpponents of the banon mobile signs.difficult time raising cash tosuggested that the signs areThe proposed new Sign purchase signs and rallyingan important part of theBylaw will be considered by volunteers to install them.democratic process and freethe full Oakville council on The proposal was alsospeech, and allow politicalMonday June 20.supported by Ward 2 coun-Sore Feet, Sports Injury, MAIN LOCATION Painful Ingrown Toenails? 1029 SPEERS RD, OAKVILLE SPEERS & 4TH LINE Plantar Warts? We can help!905.842.3739Exceptional footcare for all ages. Routine footcare Corns & calluses Plantar warts Heel/arch/foot painwww.joshuacreekfurniture.com Diabetic footcare and education Thick or ingrown nails Nail surgery Sports related foot problems & injuries Custom made orthotics Sigvaris compression stockings Evenings and saturday appointments available New patients welcome!J. Richard WerkmanCHIROPODIST1495 Cornwall Rd., Suite 33, OakvilleVisit our website for free information on located on the north/west corner of maple grove dr. and cornwall rd.What You Need To Know About OrthoticsT: 905-845-4817 www.werkman.ca5 Friday, June 17, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com