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Council heard passionate pleas from both sides Continued from page 3 9 · Thursday, February 2, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com dated water shouldn't be underestimated. Pointing to the City of Dryden, which removed fluoride from municipal water and saw a 26 per cent increase in cavities, she said, "I am very concerned about the loss of fluoridated drinking water in certain communities despite the evidence that it's safe and effective... it is an important additive for purposes of dental health, a great equalizer across the province." Nosal gave an impassioned presentation toward the end of the long day, speaking for what he called "the silent majority" who want fluoridation to continue. A random telephone survey done by the Region shows 64 per cent of adults said they supported fluoridation. "I truly believe that if you decide to stop water fluoridation then you are guaranteeing a minimum of 100,000 extra cavities for Halton residents over the next six to 10 years." But several councillors said adding fluoride to the municipal water system doesn't leave much of a choice for residents who are against the practice. "We don't have a moral right to impose this on our residents," said Oakville Councillor Jeff Knoll. "We are eroding a human right; to have the right to choose." Oakville Councillor Allan Elgar said he was more concerned with the connection between fluoridated water and hip fractures than its benefits for oral health. "In Europe, 98 per cent of the population doesn't have fluoride in the water, and their dental cavity rate is down to two. It makes me wonder if it was really the fluoride that made the difference." The passionate delegations from both sides of the debate had councillors admitting they were going back and forth on how to vote throughout the meeting. Halton Hills Councillor Clark Somerville, who originally motioned to end and should be in the jurisdic- mended by dozens of national Regional Chair Gary Carr, tion of the provincial and and international health orga- mayors Rick Bonnette, Rick federal governments," said nizations, none of the experts Goldring and Rob Burton and councillors Tom Adams, Keith Burlington Councillor John could answer. Taylor. "I have a chemistry Said Burlington Councillor Bird, Rick Craven, Jack background, but I'm still not Blair Lancaster, "It's ridicu- Dennison, Jane Fogal, Clark a doctor; I'm not a dentist, I lous that this question has Somerville and John Taylor. Voting to end fluoridation have to rely on that kind of come to this council. We have interpretation from them." two governments who are were councillors Colin Best, When asked by Halton responsible for our health. Allan Elgar, Alan Johnston, councillors why the upper They should be making this Jeff Knoll, Tony Lambert, Blair Lancaster, Marianne levels of government don't decision." Allan Elgar Voting to continue water Meed Ward, Paul Sharman mandate water fluoridation fluoridation in 2008, surprised since it's so highly recom- fluoridation in Halton were and Mayor Gord Krantz. his colleagues by voting in supAdvertorial port of the staff recommendation to continue fluoridating. "That's not the answer I would have given you five hours ago. But for the overall health and well-being of the Region, the smartest thing for - Leslie Johnson me as a councillor is to vote Merry Maids of Oakville that way," said Somerville. "That's what's best for the most vulnerable citizens." While the vote was close, There is nothing quite like the feeling of Trafalgar Hospital for auction, in order to help there was one thing the majorwalking into a clean house. Generally raise funds. Their staff and their customers speaking, cleaning isn't the most exciting also participated in the Dress for the Cause ity of councillors agreed upon: part of a person's day, and it can often annual event for the Breast Cancer Society this shouldn't be a decision occupy time that could be best spent with of Canada, donating 10% of their sales made by municipal politicians. family and friends. For all of those reasons for the day. Merry Maids also provides "This is a public health issue and more, Merry Maids takes the everyday cleaning services for patients undergoing "Yes! Cleaning homes is what we do best." stresses out of household cleaning, and customizes their cleaning sessions to suit the needs of their clients. "You have to love what you do, in order to do a great job at it," says Leslie Johnson, Franchise Owner. cancer treatment, free of charge through WellSpring Cancer Support Network, and has provided gifts to seniors for the Be a Santa to a Senior program in Halton Region. Although Merry Maids of Oakville began in 1994, Johnson didn't take over the reins to the business until December 2006. Working under the former business owner in 1998, she decided to join the Merry Maids team managing all of the accounting for the franchise. Over time, Johnson eventually decided to buy the business, and create a name for herself as a business owner. "I had been a stay at home mom for 13 years and building the business was like having another child. You have to help it grow and flourish into something that you can be proud of," states Johnson. She also adds, "Merry Maids provided me with a new outlook on life; my youngest daughter was in school and it was time for me to do something for myself." Another important aspect that sets Merry Maids apart is their commitment to their community. "Since the franchise began, we have continued to go to great lengths to demonstrate how important our customers are to our business. The franchise has donated a years' worth of free cleanings to the Ian Anderson House and to the Oakville What sets Merry Maids apart is that the franchise continues to build great relationships with their clients by listening to their particular requests. Their unique cleaning packages provide both quality and value to their many customers. Johnson states, "Our 25 cleaning sessions package is my personal favourite, as clients can save anywhere from $300 to $600, depending on the size of their homes." In May 2012, the franchise will have been in business for 14 years, maintaining a staff of 25 team members, and serving 300 satisfied customers in Oakville. "This is not only a huge milestone for our business, but it also shows that our customized cleaning programs are making a difference in the lives of our clients," says Johnson. "I would recommend this company to any homeowner looking for a cleaning service. They have always been reliable, trustworthy, and do a great job." - Fran Bright Oakville, ON To set up a free consultation today, contact Merry Maids of Oakville at (905) 847-2210 or mmaids@bellnet.ca.