Green candidate looks for voice, not power, in Halton riding by Michael Gregory Metroland West Media Group 11 | Thursday, May 29, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Halton Green Party candidate Susan Farrant says she wants greater protection for the rights of farmers, tax breaks for small business as well as more sustainable transportation that will ease gridlock on our roads and commuter highways. "We definitely want to reduce gridlock by putting more money into GO," said Farrant. A newcomer to the political scene, Farrant said she decided to seek the Halton riding seat -- which covers north Oakville and north Halton -- after witnessing new grads being underemployed at a coffee shop where she works as a trainer. "I'm concerned about not just Halton now, but Halton in the future," said Farrant, who has also managed shoe stores in Milton and Georgetown. "I wouldn't be running if I didn't feel very strongly that a Green policy couldn't have a positive impact on many aspects of living in Halton." Farrant said the "very apparent" traffic congestion also applies north-south between Milton, Oakville and Burlington and the Greens would like to see transit expanded to link the municipalities. A mother of two and grandmother to four, the longtime Milton resident said her party's platform supports the local economy as a means of job creation. "We're looking for sustainable loSusan Farrant cal jobs to entice people to your area so you're not adding to the gridlock by having to go to work," Farrant said. The Greens would look to offer incentives to those small businesses so they can continue to pull-through tough economic times. "These small businesses employ people and they're paying the same tax rates as the big corporations," she said. "So give them a break so people will be willing to open stature business locally and employ people locally." As part of that process, Farrant said Ontario should be offering more support for farmers and she feels there's been a disconnect between the municipalities and Province regarding development and infrastructure. "The way the land is being bought up and sold... there are some parklands, but there's not a lot of parklands," she said. The Greens tout an initiative known as Food and Water First, whereby prime farmland and water sources should be protected. "I understand the stresses of a population require housing but we should be able to have farms and population co-exist," she said. "The farmers need to be supported. I have seen sale of farm implements. I've seen farms go up for sale, and you know it's because they can't sustain it." Farrant said if elected, she would work on strengthening the relationship between the Province and the local municipalities of Milton, Oakville and Burlington. "The great thing about being Green is that we're looking for a voice we're not looking for power, so if it were to be me I could concentrate on Halton," she said. Open Your Home & Hearts to a Student From Spain This Summer Red Leaf Student Program needs families in Oakville and Burlington to host a Student from Spain in July. Students attend classes and activities Monday to Friday. Remuneration of $81200/4 weeks paid to host families. HOST FAMILIES NEEDED! SEXUAL ASSAULT & VIOLENCE INTERVENTION SERVICES OF HALTON 25th Annual General Meeting & Anniversary Celebration June 12th 2014 7:00 - 9:00pm Guest Speaker: Michaelann George Location: Community Room, Halton Police Station 95 Oak Walk Drive, Oakville RSVP at 905-825-3622 or savis@savisofhalton.org Veronica 905-637-0879 For more information ALL OUT SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO ALL SHOES UP TO FORDAD GREAT GIFTS 40 60 40 40 Including Designer ALL SUITS ALL JEANS ALL DRESS SHIRTS % off * % off * % off * % off * P L U S SPORT JACKETS, PANTS, LONG & SHORT SLEEVE SPORT SHIRTS, SHORTS, OUTERWEAR & ACCESSORIES ALL 40-60% OFF SALE IN CONJUNCTION WITH DSL COMMERCIAL * *Regular retail prices. Some limited basics excluded. STORE HOURS: MON - FRI: 10am to 9pm, SAT: 9am to 6pm, SUN: 11am to 6pm www.garywaters.ca | 905-688-2233 | PEN CENTRE, ST. CATHARINES L2T 2K9 DANBURYSALES.COM