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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, January 14, 2016 | 10 McAuley adds her name to the Ward 2 council race by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff Retired teacher Ruth Anne McAuley announced last Friday she would be running for the position of Ward 2 Town councillor. She is among five people who are seeking Oakville's vacant council seat. McAuley, who has lived in Ward 2 for five years and Oakville, for 30 years, taught English and drama at the former Queen Elizabeth Park (QEP) Secondary School and Oakville Trafalgar High School (OTHS). The Ward 2 council position was previously held by Pam Damoff, who was elected MP of the new Oakville North-Burlington riding in the last federal election. "Council has made great strides to ensure the continued revitalization of Kerr Street by increasing density necessary for businesses to flourish. Ward 2 is diverse, however, and density can become a contentious issue in southwest central or Coronation Park," said McAuley. "Council must continue to work in concert with residents' associations to ensure quality of life and property values. "Our historic downtown is a source of pride for all Oakville residents. The success of proposals, now before council to address the exodus of businesses from the core, will be crucial to the future of this town. I wish to be a part of that process," she added. McAuley graduated from Queen's University with degrees in arts and education. Her experience in community affairs includes chairing the Special Education Advisory Committee for the Halton Catholic District School Board. McAuley served on that committee for 20 years. Since 2007, the Ward 2 resident has been involved in the St. Andrew's Christmas House Tour, co-chairing it in 2011. Ruth Anne McAuley development respects the character of established neighbourhoods in accordance with the Livable Oakville Town Plan. One challenge going forward is to mitigate increased traffic generated by growth so that neighbourhoods are not overwhelmed by vehicles, affecting both McAuley said organizing the biennial Oakville tradition is no small affair as it requires more than 200 volunteers. The event raises funds for the church and local charities, including: Kerr Street Mission (KSM); Light House for Grieving Children; the Special Olympics; and Ian Anderson House. McAuley says she has also canvassed for March of Dimes, stocked shelves for KSM and swung a hammer for Habitat for Humanity. She is married and has three grown children. Town council has begun the Ward 2 byelection process. Nominations can be filed until Feb. 26. Ward 2 boundaries extend from Third Line to Sixteen Mile Creek and south of the QEW to Lake Ontario. Public library looks to spring/summer The Oakville Public Library's Spring/Summer Programs and Events Guide will be available in all branches as of Monday, Jan. 18. People can already get a sneak peak of upcoming programs and events online at the library's website, www.opl.ca. In addition to its many children's programs, teen workshops and adult programs, the library will be hosting a variety of Tech Talk workshops. New programs include HTML Coding for Kids; a One Minute Film Festival; Digital Discovery Labs (including 3D printing); and Writer Meetups. Returning will be the popular Canadian author visits, LEGO Robotics for Kids, Wednesday Family Movie Nights and Summer Reading Club. Registration for most programs opens Feb. 6 and must be completed using the Town of Oakville's iris registration system. More information can be found on the library's website. 1/2lb Milk & Dark Assortments 25% off Sensational Chocolates, Handmade Locally 1011 Upper Middle Road East, Oakville · 289-291-0147 www.walkerschocolates.ca Beautiful lingerie with serious attitude! www.lineaintima.com ALL YOU CAN EAT Lunch or Dinner 10% off Dinner* Dine in & cAsh onlY *With this AD Dine in for All You cAn eAt 280 North Service Road W. @ Dorval, Oakville 905.338.6228 7 DAYS A WEEk www.august8.ca