Lishchyna throws hat into the ring for Ward 6 council seat by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 27 | Thursday, April 30, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com She found herself embroiled in controversy with federal politician Eve Adams during her foray into federal politics, and now Natalia Lishchyna is setting her sights on the municipal arena as she seeks to become Oakville's new Ward 6 councillor. The Oakville chiropractor declared her candidacy for the position Tuesday morning, just hours after the Ward 6 seat, formerly occupied by the late Max Khan, was officially declared vacant. Khan, a three-time leukemia survivor, died suddenly at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) on March 29 after being admitted the previous day with flu-like symptoms. Council voted Monday to officially declare Khan's seat vacant and to fill the position through a by-election, which will be held on Monday, July 13. Lishchyna challenged Adams for the federal Conservative nomination for the new Oakville-North Burlington riding last summer. Both she and Adams stepped away amid allegations of each other's wrongdoing, which the Conservative Party of Canada stepped in to investigate. While the findings were never made public, both women stepped away from their bid to win the nod as candidate. Lishchyna lists volunteer work at the emergency room department of OTMH and with various parent councils among her experience and said she is looking for a new way to serve her community. "Ward 6 is very close to my heart because this has been my home for more than 12 years. My kids have grown up here and so, to me, this was kind of the next step in how I can make a positive difference beyond what I am doing with my volunteer work," said Lishchyna. "When you are in politics you can certainly make a positive difference in many people's lives. I'm trained as a chiropractor so listening is an important part when people are telling you about their issues. I think that can certainly play well when I am a councillor." Lishchyna said her experience in running for the federal Conservative nomination saw her knock on a lot of doors and meet a lot of people. She said she really enjoyed meeting people and hearing their concerns. The long-time Ward 6 resident said she is eager to act on these concerns as Ward 6 councillor. Had Lishchyna succeeded in her bid to become the Conservative candidate for Oakville-North Burlington she would have faced off against Khan who was the Liberal Natalia Lishchyna candidate for the riding. If elected municipally, Lishchyna said the voice she would bring to Town of Oakville council would not necessarily be a Conservative voice. "My understanding is that Town council is supposed to be non-partisan. So for me what is important is that the best decisions are being made for our town and our community," she said. "Whether you are at one end of the spectrum or the other, everyone's opinions are important and `group think' is not a good thing. You want everybody to put their two cents into decision-making. If I have a bit of a different viewpoint, I'll bring that up and I think it will be good for healthy discussion," said the candidate. Lishchyna said she plans to spend her time between now and the election door-knocking to get to know the people in her community. The Oakville resident said she believes she is the best person for the Ward 6 job because she has long-standing experience in the community as well as her volunteer experience and leadership experience having served as the president of the Ontario Chiropractic Association. Lishchyna has been married to her husband Terry for nearly 19 years. She has a 14-yearold daughter and an 11-year-old son. The Oakville woman's bid for the Ward 6 seat was announced by Ward 5 Town and Regional Councillor Jeff Knoll, who said he is acting as her campaign manager. Knoll also supported Lishchyna in her federal bid. For more information, visit www. votenatalia.ca. Sign up Online Visit C A N A D A ' S L A R G E S T R E G I O N A L M O N T H LY PA R E N T I N G P U B L I C AT I O N WagJag.com Buy Online: 50% off IN THIS ISSUE $19.00 $19 FOR A FAMILY PASS FOR UP TO 5 PEOPLE AT HALTON COUNTY RADIAL RAILWAY A $38 VALUE Seven ways to recycle your kids' toys Teach Toddlers to play nicely Simple ways to increase breast milk production Tween travel agents + MORE Buy Online: 50% off C $69.00 Buy Online: 62% off $70.00 $69 FOR A MINI BOUNCY CASTLE RENTAL FROM ADVENTUREMANIA INFLATABLES IN MILTON A $139 VALUE $70 FOR A ROUND OF GOLF FOR 2 PEOPLE INCLUDING GOLF CART RENTAL AND SAME DAY REPLAY AT TYANDAGA GOLF COURSE IN BURLINGTON A $182 VALUE FOR YOUR FREE COPY GO TO CITYPARENT.COM Brought to you by