Some fear registry may be another layer of bureaucracy 3 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, July 29, 2009 Continued from page 1 "So I need to know how cumbersome it is for groups and organizations who need to have access to and input into decision made by government," Jackson said. Halton Hills Regional Councillor Clark Somerville carried Jackson's concerns one step further by pointing out he receives numerous requests from constituents asking for his personal assistance in solving a problem. Burton said an obvious difference between a constituent's simple request and lobbying from a developer is that, in the latter case, a councillor is in charge of making a decision that could change the value of a property owner's land by millions of dollars. Johnston said there are ways to create the registry so it doesn't limit the ability of citizens or non-profit groups from calling their councillor. The registry could be limited to requiring sign-up from those paid to represent a position, he suggested. Milton Councillor Barry Lee said he doesn't see the necessity of the reg- istry and feels it might just be another layer of government bureaucracy. "Basically, the insinuation is people are discussing things behind closed doors," said Lee. "I try and conduct myself in an objective fashion. I'll talk to anybody on reasonable terms. We (councillors) are supposed to be big boys and hopefully we've developed skills to exercise good judgement." Paul Sutherland, a former City of Toronto councillor and now lobbyist for public relations firm Hill & Knowlton, said the jury's still out on whether the Toronto registry provides value to the public. Toronto's registry works fairly similar to those at the provincial and federal levels. Essentially, those who qualify as lobbyists -- such as public relations consultants or private companies but generally exempting politicians and individual constituents, fill in a form noting with which public official they have communicated and for what purpose, and it's made available online. It doesn't provide the public with the content of what was discussed during a meeting or submitted via letter or e-mail. Sutherland said the system is fairly easy to work with if you need to use it on a regular basis. "But I think where there can be difficulty is just (where) the average company wants to, you know, meet with councillors or people (staff) about issues and they're not fully apprised of what they're supposed to," he said. Inside Living......................................................8 Artscene................................................14 Sports....................................................17 Classified..............................................20 For home delivery & customer service call (905) 845-9742 Mon., Tues. and Thurs. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS call (905) 845-9742 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com See inside today's paper for special subscription offer. LESS THAN LEVEL BAR AND GRILL For all your sports and entertainment needs. T.H.E. TR I PLE TH U RSDAYS WITH ALEX B SPI N N I NG LIVE TRIPLE Thursday July 30th plusSPECIALS: FIRETRAIN INI NEW M S CHER PIT Friday July 31st Saturday Aug. 1st Sunday Aug. 2nd Drinks $4 Pitchers $12 Domestic Bottles $4 $ 50 EXPOSE´ WITH ROBERT + $4 DRINKS 7 Full Delivery JYSK, Nissan, Coast Mountain, Premiere Dance, PW Stone Partial Delivery: Home Depot, RONA 905-842-9009 Open Mon.-Sun. 5pm-2am OPEN JAM NIGHT + FREE POOL 381 KERR STREET, OAKVILLE www.lessthanlevel.ca YOUR PASSPORT TO THE WORLD Let our designers and product selection take you to another place. HEARING AID SPECIAL (Clients portion) *Some Conditions Apply * $ From Elegance, Stylish, Sophisticated, or Sleek We can transform any space! We specialize in importing and distributing unique Ceramics, Porcelain, Travertine, Marble, Glass, Custom Medallions and mosiacs from Around the World. 295 Ask about our Custom Glass Shower Doors & Floor Heating Up to 3 Year Service Warranty 60 DAY GUARANTEE: If after 60 days we have not provided you with the best hearing possible, we will give you your money back... We are an authorized clinic for DVA, WSIB, and Green Shield clients Call 905-827-7333 Tile selection made enjoyable! Factory Tile Depot For a FREE Hearing Test. Age 18+ Hopedale Hearing Clinic In Hopedale Mall, next to the CIBC 1515 Rebecca Street, Unit 38, Oakville · 905-827-7333 www.factorytiledepot.ca