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Local politicians to fight for hospital at AMO conference By Christina Commisso CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF Five Milton representatives are heading to the AMO conference next week, and many of them already have a list of questions ready for the Provincial ministers attending the annual event. Premier Dalton McGuinty, Jim Bradley, minister of municipal affairs and housing, Sandra Pupatello, minister of economic development and trade and provincial oppo- sition leaders Tim Hudak and Andrea Horwath are some of the participants speak- ing at this year's Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) confer- ence. "In our case, it will be about putting our best foot forward to promote the Milton hos- pital expansion," said Mayor Gord Krantz about the conference, which he'll be attend- ing with councillors Brian Penman (Ward 1), Mike Boughton (Ward 2) and Cindy Lunau andJan Mowbray (Ward 3). Krantz said he would also like to discuss the Tremaine Road and Hwy. 401 inter- change - set to begin construction in 2013 - and the proposed Wilfrid Laurier University campus with Provincial ministers and delegates at the four-day conference. "It's a lobbying opportunity... We use AMO as an opportunity to rub shoulders with those people who will help with the decision making process," said Penman. "The last time we were in that situation, we were lobbying for the hospital and it became opportunity for municipalities to gain a bet- ter understanding of issues in other munici- palities. "Without that understanding of Ontario, really, you lag behind," he said. Pointing to the gas tax reform in 2005, which saw a portion of federal gas tax funds distributed directly to Ontarios municipali- ties, Krantz said by municipalities working together, they had an effect on the provincial government. "When you go into a conference like this, it's important (for municipalities) to speak with a united voice." Krantz said hes worried Ontarios cities and towns will start to feel the brunt of the a buming issue of how desperate we are for an expansion." Other issues Penman would like to dis- cuss at the conference are green energy initia- tives and ideas to beautify Milton. "Looking at new alternative energy sources, geo-thermal, new ground sources, heating and cooling techniques, learning about government subsidies and having the opportunity to hear very knowledgeable speakers give us a model of thought for what we're doing." Looking to councillors in neighbouring municipalities for guidance, Penman said he would like to learn about ways to give Milton a face-lift, for example, filling street medians with flowers. "Milton is blessed in so many ways with its location but I think the beautification of streetscapes needs some attention." Penman said he would also like some answers from Provincial representatives, who he thinks have demonstrated a streak of inconsistencies as of late. "In dealing with the Province, it seems the only consistency is inconsistency" said the long-tine councillor. le pointed to the HST, the eco tax, and recent changes to the Green Energy Act, which saw the Province drop the rate it pays to small producers of renewable electricity from 80.2 cents a kilowatt/hour to 58.8 cents. "People who spent money (on producing renewable energy) lost their rate of return, and their business plan goes out the win- dow," he said. Krantz said the AMO conference is an Province's debt and hopes he can work with other municipal leaders to prevent funding > cuts. "It's no secret the Province is cash- strapped... I can see a pull back with some ofC? the funding the Province might be involved 3 in and this gives me some concems," he said. "Generally service cuts have a negative o z effect on property taxes. When you go to a conference like this, go in with a united voice M and an open mind." This year's Association of Municipalities 0 of Ontario conference will take place from August 15 to 18 in Windsor. Christina Commisso can be reached at ccommisso@miltoncanadianchampion.com. VEWI SE E IVE No Receive a