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Pilcher vows to work for Ward 2 on Town council by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 13 | Thursday, January 21, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com An Oakville businessman says he wants to help his community by becoming the next Ward 2 Town councillor. John Pilcher, a Ward 2 resident who has called Oakville home for more than 20 years, said he's joined the race for the council position because he lives and works in the area and feels he has something to contribute. "I've always been one to be involved in community activity. I have a strong belief as a Canadian, and an Oakvillian, that we have to give back and it's my turn," said Pilcher. "I've always been interested in people's issues and concerns and finding an answer for them." The Ward 2 council seat has been vacant since former Ward 2 councillor Pam Damoff was elected MP of the new Oakville NorthBurlington riding in last fall's federal election. Council has voted to fill the council position through a by-election, which will take place April 11. Pilcher said his work history includes 20 years John Pilcher as a manager for a Toronto insurance brokerage in the commercial insurance field. He later purchased and operated a drycleaning business in Oakville for seven years. For the last 12 years, he has owned and operated the Mount Royal Laundromat. Pilcher says his experience in the financial field and in running two successful businesses in Oakville would be an asset on council. Volunteer work carried out by Pilcher in the community, includes time spent as a coach and trainer with the Oakville Minor Lacrosse Association. He has also volunteered as a coach for the lacrosse team at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School and as a coach for the volleyball and hockey teams at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School. Pilcher said there are numerous issues currently facing Ward 2, which range from the growing number of encounters between humans and coyotes, to future development and infrastructure. That said, he noted if elected, his constituents would dictate the issues he tackles. "With municipal government it is about what the ward and the constituents want, not what I want to get involved with," said Pilcher. "I run a laundromat in Ward 2 and people come in and talk with me and it is incredible the number of issues people are concerned about. There are issues going on at (the Kerr Street area) where properties have been resold and nothing has happened to them. That bothers the residents." This will not be Pilcher's first foray into politics. He ran against Damoff in the 2010 municipal election, but withdrew for personal reasons. Pilcher is married with two children aged 15 and 27. "I'm very proud and pleased with our past and present council for the stability they have given us," he said. "I want the people of Ward 2 to know that I would be proud to serve them alongside this council. I have always been someone people can count on. I am looking forward to this new adventure." Pilcher is among eight residents so far running for the Ward 2 council seat. Other contenders include: Ray Chisholm, Fraser Damoff, Hart Jansson, Chris Kowalchuk, Ruth Anne McAuley, Cheryle McCullagh and Sean Neville. St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School is putting on its multicultural celebration Mosaic next Thursday (Jan. 28). The student-run fundraiser showcases more St. Mildred's-Lightbourn cultural celebration Mosaic on Jan. 28 than 50 countries through cultural foods, entertainment, workshops and a bazaar with items for purchase from around the world. The event takes place in the Dining Hall Wing at the 1080 Linbrook Rd. school, from 7-9 p.m. This year, all proceeds will be donated to the United Nations Syrian Refugee Fund. The week prior to Mosaic, middle and senior school students collected canned goods in a friendly-competition format, to be donated to Kerr Street Mission. For more information, visit www.smls.on.ca. 905.338.5721 DIAMOND DIAMOND Voted Best Accountant by Oakville Beaver Readers for 9 Consecutive Years CPA, CA, MBA, B. Eng Ricky Wong W For more information please check our website www.rickywong.ca · Accounting · Auditing · Taxation ce Auto Servi Auto Body ruS A uSed 0c d 0 An p From $2,0 www.jnbautocenter.com 1200 Speers Rd., Unit 32, Oakville, Ont. 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