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( Orono Weekly limes, Wednesday, Oetober 25, 2000~~9 Staying in Touch by John O'Toole, MRP Election fever is certainly in the air. Sunday's federal election announcement will see the race for "space" get a lot more difficult. The "space" I am referring to is not just media coverage, but lawn and roadside sign space as well. The elections to watch will be the local municipal and regional elections,. With Mayor Diane Harare deciding not to seek re-election, we have an interesting race for the position of Mayor of Clarington, I must say that Mayor Harare has made a very valuable contribution to Clarington, as well as the Region of Durham over the past 20 years. I Want to publicly publicly express my admiration and thanks for her years in public office, "Your decisive style will be missed Mayor Harare. I know from having worked with you over the years under the threat of your gavel". There are four very good candidates and each brings a mix of qualities and talent, like experience, energy, energy, youth and commitment. In some parts of the riding, the incumbents must be satisfied, but feeling somehow left out. I know the feeling of being reaffirmed through re-election and have good memories of serving on council. Another challenge in this municipal election is the new mail-in ballot. Council made their decision to proceed with this for all of the right reasons, reasons, mainly as it is reported to reduce the cost of the election election process. In the past, municipal elections have been plagued with poor turnouts for a variety of reasons. The convenience of mail-in ballots is intended to increase public participation in municipal elections. At the same time, we have had a number of calls at our constituency office questioning the reliability of this process and some security security issues. Traditionally, people people like to put their "X" on the ballot and deposit it in a private private manner I am confident that the municipal election staff are well trained to ensure complete confidentiality. If you have any questions, you can call our office at 697- 1501/1 -800-661 -2433 or call the municipal clerk. I am sure they will assist you. The issues in this municipal municipal election are very important. important. One matter is the possible possible amalgamation, or governance, governance, in Durham Region, as well as Greater Toronto Area pressures. Growth and planning planning are other pressing challenges challenges because growth brings more people and the need for increased services. Taxes and accountability in government are also important questions. I pledge to listen to and work with whoever is elected to serve on council. What I have learned since first being elected elected in 1982 as a school trustee, serving two terms on municipal municipal and regional government and now five years working at the provincial level is we must sort out which level of government delivers what services. We have to avoid duplication so that each level has clear responsibilities, but most importantly, everyone must resolve to work together co-operatively. I congratulate all of the municipal candidates for having having the courage to put their names and reputations on the line. You are to be commended. commended. The Federal election is another matter.' Our current federal member for Durham has exactly the same riding boundaries and population to serve as I do. It is a large and diverse riding, serving the north part of Oshawa, the Township of Scugog and all of Clarington. With just over 30 days to canvas, it will be difficult to cover the riding extensively. I know first hand since I was just re-elected a little over a year ago. I know that 1 will miss all the excite- ORONO MUSIC CENTRE 5??1 MAIN STREET, ORONO ment but ap a voter, I will be watching with more than a passing interest. And finally, to add to "election "election fever", there is also the November 7th presidential election in the United States. I'm glad that our election traditions traditions are generally more respectful. IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE ORONO WEEKLY TIMES 983-5301 Oi e 00 ^ TEL: 905-98? 6118 Vote . ' ■ Mark Hendrikx ' Chartered Accountant . • for Local Council Ward 4 Crooked Creek, Kendal, Leskard, Newcastle, Newtonville, and Orono areas Campaign Platforms: • To enpourage new business to settle in the Newcastle and Orono areas, and not just in Bowmanville and Côurtice, and to assist these businesses in creating new local jobs. Our area should be a place to work, shop and play, and not just a place to sleep. • To assist the council, at a professional level, with making better use of current resources. Anyone can attain fiscal, responsibility. Fiscal excellence requires expert help. A Chartered Accountant has that expert ability. » To make the region a safer place to walk and drive. • To reduce vandalism and other crime in the area. This is a. rural community - we should not be experiencing big city problems. • . • To encourage tourism in the Clarington area, particularly in our district. We are lucky to live in a beautiful setting in Clarington, and we have many events and attractions to encourage visitors to the area. Tourism has enormdus potential to bring money into the area in a non-polluting manner and create significant.new employment in the process. . , • To encourage the participation of the taxpayers in assisting your local representative on council, through the use of new technology. The web page should be expanded in the future to allow taxpayers to obtain more information on decisions before council and to allow taxpayers to "have their say" before council meetings, without taking time off work or otherwise upsetting their schedules. • To review the current voting system. The Vote by Mail system implemented for this election has raised serious concerns, questions, and confusion, especially amongst the seniors. It is important that, the election process is understood by all voters. - ' '. * ■ On November 13, 2000 vote for a representative who actually has concrete plans to better represent you on council, and the professional experience to back it up. Put your "X" on Mark Hendrikx.