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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 23, 2014 | 16 by Michael Gregory Oakville Beaver Staff Ward 4 residents are no stranger to development with the new Oakville hospital soon to be open, a newly announced $1.5-billion life sciences campus on the horizon and the fate of the Merton Lands in the balance. Challenging local incumbent Roger Lapworth are Faisal Saab and Liana Palmerio-McIvor. At the Regional council level, Allan Elgar is facing off against John Foster. Foster has lived in Oakville for more than 35 years and is a management consultant. "What I see is a council that only looks out for the current generation, and that has to change," Foster said. Foster, who has a degree in civil engineering, said finances, families and the environment are the biggest election issues. "Oakville is great, but we need to change the status quo to keep it that way," he said. Foster promises no budget or tax increases for two years, and would like to see term limits for elected officials. Allan Elgar has served as Regional and Town Councillor for 14 years and prior to that was a manger at Bell Canada for three decades. "Back in 2000, I entered politics because I was concerned about what Oakville's growth plans would do to the quality of life in our town," he said. Elgar was the first president of the Oakvillegreen Conservation Association, and in 2013 received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for preserving greenspace. "I spearheaded a campaign, endorsed by the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), that resulted in the preservation of more than 49,000 hectares of land in Oakville and Halton Region at no cost to the taxpayers," he said. Elgar is concerned about the potential development of Saw-Whet Golf Course. " Green space is top of mind for incumbent Roger Lapworth, in seeking his third straight Ward 4 Local/Regional term as Town Councillor. "We must and will succeed in protecting all of the Merton Lands," he said. Lapworth has volunteered with the Bronte BIA, The Willow Foundation and as a board member with the Oakville & Milton Humane Society. He has 40 years of financial and business experience. "I want to continue to run this town like a business," he said noting during his time on council, transit has improved with the GRID system. Candidate Liana Palmerio-McIvor is a certified psychotherapist with her own practice. "We need someone who can get residents' concerns heard at Town Hall and create an effective flow of information from council to the community. I believe I am that person." Palmerio-McIvor has lived in Oakville her entire life and is a volunteer with Zonta International, Halton Women's Place, Darling Home for Kids and the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. "I believe the most challenging issue is retaining the livability of the community." Faisal Saab has lived in Oakville 27 years and sat on several school councils in addition to volunteering for local non-profit agencies. He is vice chair of the United Way of Oakville. "I am running for Town Council because I care deeply about my community ," he said. "I feel that there are crucial issues that need to be addressed in order to maintain Oakville's rating as one of the best communities to live in Canada." Saab said as councillor he'd push for greater representation for the Ward on Town Council. "This unfair representation must be addressed and corrected," he said. "It is simply not fair to have the same representation for the 60,000 residents in Ward 4 as a ward that has 20,000 residents." Saab also noted the "new challenges" facing the Ward as the new Oakville hospital prepares to open next year. "Council must ensure that other issues such as traffic and noise do not start to negatively impact the quality of life for the residents of Ward 4," he said. Ward 6 Local/Regional by Michael Gregory Oakville Beaver Staff The Ward 6 race has been quiet as two incumbent councillors are challenged by a trio of virtually unknown candidates. Incumbent Tom Adams and Kinder Sidhu are seeking the Local and Regional council seat. Town council incumbent Max Khan is up against Gurinder Singh and Shanaka Weerasinghe. Khan is a commercial and civil trial lawyer on Bay Street, and has lived in Oakville more than 25 years. He said the Town is functioning "quite smoothly" and is interested in addressing social issues during the next term. "Improving the quality of life for seniors; working with organizations that support ON OCTOBER 27TH VOTE TO GET BRONTE MOVING, VOTE FOR CHANGE, VOTE FOR... *$ HEARING AID SPECIAL From 295 (Clients portion) *Some Conditions Apply social justice; and develop programs for at-risk youths," he said. "In sum, I will work toward improving the dignity of life for all people living in Oakville." Singh and Weerasinghe did not return request for comment about their election platforms. Tom Adams has represented Ward 6 for 11 years, serving more than half of that time leading Oakville's Budget Committee and Halton's Planning and Public Works Committee. "I am running to continue to control urban growth and preserve green space, build and renew our infrastructure and control debt and taxes," he said. "I do not take, and have never taken, contributions from developers. I work for the residents of northeast Oakville." Sidhu did not respond to request for comment about his campaign platform. Ward 1 Region and Town Council www.omeara.ca · 905-334-7106 SEAN O'MEARA · Whether in a group or by yourself we make hearing better for you! · Hear the joy of life again! Up to 3 Year Service Warranty 60 DAY GUARANTEE: FREE Hearing test · Ag Age 55+ www.hearingclinicgroup.com If after 60 days we have not provided you with the best hearing possible, we will give you your money back... 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