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8- The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 23, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Oakville maintains presence at AMO ART CLASSES For Children & Adults PAINTING - POTTERY - SCULPTURE&MORE CLASSES WORKSHOPS STUDIWORK By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF For Children and Adults Programs, from beginner to advanced. Mornings afternoons & Evenings. REGISTRATION ON NOW! Classes begin September 11 Supporting Creativity in Your Community for 40 Years 560 Bronte Road, Oakville 905-827-5711 www.oakvilleartsociety.com See the full Brochue on the web www.oakvilleartsociety.com Two of Oakville's three mayoral candidates scored points at the recent Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) annual conference. Mayor Ann Mulvale was thanked for her work -- she served twice as AMO president -- and Ward 6 Councillor Janice Wright -- who announced her candidacy for mayor late yesterday -- was elected to a caucus position at last week's annual AMO conference held in Ottawa. Wright was elected to the board as a caucus member to represent regional and single-tier municipalities. "AMO represents the voice for all municipalities across Ontario with regard to Provincial matters" said Wright. Wright said with Halton's Regional Chair Joyce Savoline and Burlington's Mayor Rob MacIsaac, not seeking re-election in the fall and Mulvale rotating off the board -- after having served two terms as president -- Wright said it was imperative Halton maintain a presence on the board. "Halton is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the GTA," said Wright. "And as a regional councillor, I understand the necessity for a balance between rural and urban concerns. I look forward to being part of the strong, assertive, united voice that AMO provides and to making it abundantly clear that our future is bright, that we come willingly to meet the challenges we face and that we accept the responsibilities given us. However, we need the Province to be a willing partner, respecting the talent and contribution municipalities bring to the table and most importantly, ensures that we are at the table as an equal partner." Meanwhile as new AMO president Doug Reycraft took over from outgoing president Roger Anderson, he clearly didn't miss out on thanking Mulvale. "In part, I sought to become AMO President because I have been impressed by my colleagues in AMO and inspired by what we all can accomplish by working together in common cause. I have great admiration for Roger and for his predecessor, Ann Mulvale ­ the two presidents whom I have been privileged to work with during my three years on AMO's Executive Committee. Together they have established a high standard I will work hard to maintain," said Reycraft. The new AMO president then "took stock" of what AMO has accomplished and "the tremendous credit for the association's success belongs with municipal leaders like Roger and Ann." Under their leadership, AMO proposed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concept, and saw it first implemented, and then enshrined into legislation. Fundamentally new and more respectful relationships have been forged with the Federal and Provincial governments. Today municipalities are recognized as partners with the other two orders as opposed to levels of government ­ and AMO is recognized as an asset to the effectiveness of that partnership. AMO has also worked hard to secure Federal gas tax revenue for all Ontario municipalities and has taken on a role in helping municipalities manage the devolution of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement Service (OMERS).