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Delegations say signs are part of democratic process continued from p.1 greater support leaning toward reducing the number of days election signs could be displayed on public property to 30 days. During Monday's council meeting, representatives of Joshua Creek Residents' Association (JCRA) and Chartwell Maple Grove Residents' Association expressed support for this option. JCRA President Janet Haslett-Theall called it reasonable and supportive of fair and visible elections. Other residents felt even a reduction in display time infringed on freedom of speech. "It takes time to get the point across," said Stephen Antonsen. "If we start to put time limits on who can put what signs out where and when it impacts the ability to have fair elections for all. Signs are a way to communicate to people and when you lose that, you lose the ability to communicate and have a democracy." Another speaker took issue with a staff recommendation that would have seen Oakville's sign bylaw amended to authorize the immediate disposal of any signs collected that are placed contrary to the bylaw. "That's somebody's free speech. That's somebody's attempt to talk to the public," said Carleen Antonsen. "Just destroying someone's opportunity to speak up and participate is not a good thing because what was the turnout for the last municistroyed if they were in the wrong place or out at the wrong time noting someone's election sign would be destroyed if someone else moved it as a prank. Ward 2 Councillor Pam Damoff said she would not support the status quo approach stating that in both her municipal election campaigns she ran on a platform that would see election signs restricted to private property. "The residents supported what I was saying about this," said Damoff. "We are not talking about a ban. We are talking about restricting the signs to private property." Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said it was notable that when the signs go up, the complaints come in, but when the time comes for delegations before council on the subject, the only people who make the effort to have their voices heard are the people who want the signs to stay. In the end, the majority of councillors voted for the status quo with the exception of Damoff, Ward 1 Town and Regional Councillor Sean O'Meara and Ward 1 Town Councillor Ralph Robinson. The council vote follows a decision by Halton Regional Council last November, to prohibit election signs on regional road rights-of-way. 5 | Thursday, May 28, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Campaign signs during last fall's municipal election. | Oakville Beaver file photo INVITE GUESTS INTO YOUR ENTRYTHAT-MAKES-A-SPARKLINGFIRST-IMPRESSION-WAY $ Save $25 on each of your first five cleans. New customers only. Not valid with other offers. Offer Code: BP2015 125 OFF REGULAR MAID SERVICE pal election? Do we have 90 per cent turnout at these elections? Maybe we need more signs, not less." Following the presentations, Ward 2 Town and Regional Councillor Cathy Duddeck called on council to pass the option that would leave everything status quo. She said the reduction in election sign display times would be confusing for candidates and the public. She also took issue with the signs being de- 905-845-9923 Maids.com .com Call now for a free, no-obligation estimate. Skyway Jewellers INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2015 My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca PLATINUM Celebrate! 2501 Third Line Rd. Oakville 905.827.0700 South Oakville Centre 1515 Rebecca, St. Oakville 905.469.0520 Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law www.skywayjewellers.com