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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, October 17, 2014 | 10 McLaughlin vows to offer open door and lower taxes by Michael Gregory Oakville Beaver Staff Oakville mayoral candidate John McLaughlin wants to put an end to what he calls the "doubletalk" of the current chief magistrate and adopt greater fiscal responsibility at Town Hall, including lowering taxes. The former federal senior lawyer, along with his wife and two daughters, moved to Oakville from Ottawa in 2001. Together, he says they promote a "strong sense of volunteerism within our community," assisting those with disabilities, seniors, neighbours and wildlife. McLaughlin lists litigation, commercial and John McLaughlin Open House Saturday October 25th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Come Share Our Vision For Your Child Fern Hill School 3300 Ninth Line, Oakville, ON 905-257-0022 www.fernhillschool.com employment law, as well as taxation, among his 20 years of experience in the legal profession. Oakville voters have had three all-candidates' meetings to get up close with those vying for the Town's top job, including: Burton, Gord Brennan, Mary Kennedy and Greg Warchol. McLaughlin ran for mayor once before in 2010 but was a distant third behind Burton and Ann Mulvale -- now running for local and Regional councillor in Ward 5. This time, McLaughlin has been a vocal critic of Burton and the incumbent's record. "The big issues have not changed that much since Mr. Burton took office in 2006," McLaughlin said. "Mr. Burton's eight-year legacy of delivering higher taxes, higher spending and higher debt worsens every year." McLaughlin charges in his estimation, taxes, government spending and debt have all increased substantially. He is also a staunch critic of program-based budgeting and said he favours zero-based budgeting instead. He said his campaign platform is predicated on the idea that less is more. "Less taxes, less debt and less spending equals more green energy, more jobs, fiscal responsibility and more control over infrastructure spending and growth," he said. The proposed development of the Merton Lands and Oakville Transit's lack of hybrid and electric transit vehicles are both among McLaughlin's top concerns. One of his first steps as mayor would be cutting 10 per cent from the Town's operating budget -- to save upwards of $30 million, he said. McLaughlin said as mayor, he would first and foremost listen to the electorate -- the source of many "great ideas." "I plan to institute an open discussion board so that anyone can submit their ideas on how to make our Town better," he said. "When someone has a great idea on how to make things better, I want to use that instead of the current practice of taking direction from lobbyists and political insiders who only work for themselves." HOME OWNERSHIP. THE CANADIAN DREAM. The Municipal Land Transfer Tax could kill that dream. The CSA Greenpatch Available in Crazy Horse Brown, Black and Stout Black Brothers and Sisters! End the tyranny of lace-up work boots with Blundstone CSA Greenpatch! Stand up for new "memory" footbeds! More cushioned working conditions! On the ground support for workers'rights! And lefts! Striking kick-toe leather protection! Strength and lightness hand in hand! Unite! Untie! DontTaxMyDream.ca