Thank You!!!!!

A big thanks goes out to all my volunteers and supporters. Thank you for your hard work!

Check out my new brochure!

Respect the Signs

Some people love them and some people hate them. Those Election Signs asking for your support and advertising the candidates are everywhere. Some times they are in places they should not be and the by-law officers I am sure try to ensure there is a level playing field. The signs are such a necessary element of any Election. The one thing that is very frustrating is when signs erected with resident’s permission are ruined or stolen. Where is the respect for personal property? These signs are expensive. Support who you will, however please do not deface any candidate’s sign.

There's only one pocket!

The mentality of having to spend money drives me absolutely crazy!

The three levels of government think they have to tax and spend. Well guess what folks there is only ONE taxpayer and the taxpayer is tapped out and had enough!

Let’s use the recent Federal Stimulus Money as an example. The projects had to be “shovel ready” and the money spent in a limited fashion and restricted time frame. So as a result you see a lot of paving companies enjoying work on repaving walking paths, some of which had no need to be done. In Mississauga we've decided that they've offered the money, so let’s use it. We've come up with projects like installing outdoor exercise equipment around Lake Aquitaine and now two of the areas are fenced off! ALL THIS JUST SO THE POLITICIANS COULD SPEND YOUR MONEY.

I would have at least asked some questions. OK what makes sense? Perhaps something like the Civic Square at City Hall...and what does not make sense? Let's not throw money away!

I understand and feel your pain. Politicians forget that there is only one taxpayer! I wouldn't throw my own money away and I will not throw your money away.

What's important to you????

As your representative on Council I will look for your feedback on all issues large and small to build a good consensus.

I know what is important to me. I know what is important to my family and I know what is important as a small business owner. I am certain that we share many of the same priorities and concerns. Yet I assume nothing and want to hear your thoughts.

I would like to hear from you. I would like to know your concerns. I would like to know what your ideas and priorities are to make our city the greatest city in Canada.

I would like you to share your imagination and together think outside the box! I look forward to your feedback.

Campaign Signs!

What an exciting week for all the candidates in the upcoming Municipal Elections. Nomination Day today and that marks the deadline to either enter or withdraw from the race! It also means that as of the close of nominations we can begin to erect Election Signage. Our sign team is committed to being prompt, professional, and respectful of your property. Check out the picture of our stylish campaign sign. If you wish to show your support for my campaign with a sign, I would greatly appreciate it. I'll do my best to represent the interests of Ward 9 and Mississauga well! You may request one online or call me anytime.

Wishes for a Safe Labour Day Weekend!

If you were to judge by the weather you would think we are at the beginning and not the end of the summer holiday season. As everyone juggles to fit in the last few days of holidays we know that the Labour Day Weekend is the end of our summer. You may be heading to Cottage Country, going to the Exhibition, or shopping for back to school? Whatever your plans I would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labour Day Weekend.

Back to School!

That statement can mean so many different things to so many people. I often here people refer to this time as the start to a New Year, even more so than New Year’s Eve itself.

September may be the first school year for many young children. It may be the last year of Elementary School or the First Year of High School. It may be the first year of College or University. What it always is, is a new beginning with all the anxiety and anticipation that comes with new beginnings.

In our home Luke and Liam are off to their first year of High School at Mount Carmel. LeeAnne is off to her first year at McMaster University, and Lisa is off to her second year at King’s College University. Of course, Dad is off on his First Campaign -- hoping for your vote to win an opportunity to represent Ward 9 here in Mississauga (and I'm learning a great deal along the way!).

Wherever you and your family are returning too or starting a new beginning I wish everyone the best success and wealth of enjoyment that learning brings to you.

Gaming

I simply do not believe that Government should be involved in any business that it also regulates. I certainly do not believe that that Government should be preying on the addictions of or contributing to an activity such as gambling. The proof is in the putting. The Government of Ontario is addicted to the easy cash! They do not think about looking at ways to save money, only ways to suck more money out of taxpayers. What better way then creating a monopoly in an industry, then regulate it and run it and not allow competition. Even if you do not run the business properly you still gain all the profit because there is no other competition allowed. The on line gaming strategy is a very bad idea that will only contribute to poverty and create ruined families. Bad idea, but as the old saying goes desperate people do desperate things and when you are addicted you are addicted. Our Provincial Government is addicted to the easy money and not the smart hard decisions of good governance.

Government has to be Pro Active

The recent example of the Eco-fee is a good example of lack of leadership and the inability of an agency to be proactive. If it were not for the media uproar and the stand that Canadian Tire took, no changes would have been initiated by the Provincial Government. I think governments at all levels should be proactive about issues and not just reactive. They knew the system was a mess and they knew the public was in an uproar, but no one took ownership of the problem to correct a poorly thought out and executed plan. No one, that is, until Canadian Tire took a stand!

Term Limits

I think that 20 plus years of doing the job of City Councillor is far, far too long. The problem as I see it is that any individual becomes too vested in the job. Fresh thinking and a fresh approach are always important. As an individual I feel it is important to seek new challenges and strive to be the best well balanced person you can be. Councillors with big ego’s who feel they own the job and they are the only one who can do the job are sadly mistaken. In fact I wonder what else some of these career Councillor’s would do if they were not re-elected? I believe that there should be a limit to 2 terms on council. I will do my best in my 2 terms to serve the residents of Ward 9. Then I will take the next step in my political career.

"I don't recall", is not good enough.

The Manager of my son’s GTHL Minor Hockey Team explained to the parents that meetings must be held to keep parents informed and minutes must be submitted to the GTHL. Minor hockey, folks! Minor hockey requires that minutes be taken and yet the 6th largest city in Canada has not been taking minutes in their In-Camera-Sessions. How can this be? Understandably these discussions are not for public consumption but how in the world can you not have a record of the discussions? This is clearly unacceptable and leads us to I do not recall or I am not certain, or I think?!!! How can a Council operate in this manner? The answer simply is that they are so comfortable they think they do not have to answer to you the Resident, who are we to question them? Councillor’s need to remember who they work for, and I assure you I will.

I love helping a good cause!

Independence

I have enjoyed many conversations with residents regarding my decision to run for Councillor. Invariably in the conversation the question is asked, “ what camp are you in?” “ Are you a Hazel or Carolyn supporter? The answer is neither, and there in lies one of the major problems and reasons that I am running for office. The division on council and the baggage that current councilors carry is a huge problem. I do not want to make decisions or have my thought process clouded by the personal degradation that has so many of our Councillors thinking about themselves first. This is not about them and it will not be about me. This is about representing the residents in Ward 9 on an issue-by-issue basis in an independent manner giving the voice and every consideration to the best interest of Ward 9 residents. Being elected is about you and representing you as an Independent Voice!

SPENDING YOUR MONEY FOR EGREGIOUS SELF PROMOTION!

Free skating parties, free swimming parties, free BBQ’s, and wasteful self promoting newsletters that talk about I, Me, I, to self-promote councillor’s. But here is the thing. They are not free. Councillor’s pay for this self-gratification and self-promotion out of their budgets. So it is YOU that as a taxpayer are paying for them to promote themselves. Now is it important to self-promote? Sure of course it is. Is it important to keep residents informed about what work a Councillor is doing? Of course it is, but not a cost of over $5,000 per mailing filled with endless babble. So here is my promise to you. Councillor’s make a good living and as your Councillor I will pay out of my own pocket for good will community events. As your Councillor I will do my best to keep you informed using modern technology and keep mailing to a tight focused format to inform you on important issues and save costs. The theme here is that as your Councillor it will be about you the residents and not about I.

Seafood for Thought

I always like to give back! Tuesday's Toronto Zoo Seafood for Thought charity event was a great evening. The skies cleared, some of Ontario's best restaurants & wineries put on a show and a wonderful time was had by everyone. I think the Stingrays and Sharks even enjoyed all the attention. Our team at Lucy's were a big hit and represented Mississauga (and Ward 9) well with our Spicy Catfish!

Making a Difference

I've always been proud of my community and charity involvement. When we had a chance to have some of Mississauga's bravest serving for Charity at Lucy's -- we couldn't pass it up. Mississauga Firefighters served more than delicious food at Lucy's, together we also served up over $1600 for The Credit Valley Hospital. Here's a pic of the whole gang at Lucy's. A big thanks goes out to all involved! Just like running a business, running for election in Ward 9 means doing the "Little" things to make a big difference in our community!

From the Heart

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or JDRF is my personal charity of choice. I well understand the helpless feeling a parent experiences when you hear that your child has a life threatening disease. When one of our twin boys Luke was diagnosed just after his 4th birthday it changed all of our lives. On Sunday JDRF held its Annual Walk for The Cure. I am proud to be The Peel Region Chair for JDRF and thank all those who worked to raise over $475,000 this year. It is through research that is funded by JDRF that a cure will be found. The residents and businesses of Peel Region are playing a big part in that goal. Thank You.

Viva FIFA!!!!

Credit where Credit is due. Dalton (or someone at Queens Park) got it right with the FIFA World Cup. Being a small business owner in the fiercely competitive restaurant industry is challenging enough and even harder when you are not on a level playing field. A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD! That is all one can ask for and the announcement on hours of operation for licensed establishments in Ontario is the right move. Toronto City Council had recently decided to allow establishments to open at 10AM during the World Cup and that would have placed businesses on the municipal border outside Toronto at a disadvantage. The FIFA World Cup is a huge deal and the world will be stopping to watch!

Car vs. Bike?

Does Cars vs. Bicycles really need to be a question? Let’s all use just a little rational thinking. I have a bicycle and I have a car. We live in a great city that was built around the car. In Mississauga the resulting reliance on or addiction to this form of transportation should be no mystery. We use our bicycles recreationally and my daughter rides her bicycle to school as her choice of transportation when weather permits. However, when I drive my boys to hockey I certainly do not throw the hockey bags on bikes. We have miles of safe and beautiful trails to bike on, so I believe we should be promoting them and promoting healthy options for transportation, but common sense should prevail! Both modes of transportation are totally valid. Use bikes when it makes sense and use the car when it makes sense.

Calling all politicians

No I am not going to rant about the H.S.T. again! However I will say that when I contact my local M.P.P. to express a concern I certainly expected a response. As a Councillor for Ward 9 I will be there for you and I commit to being accessible, reasonable and responsive. Agree with me or disagree with me you will always have access to me.

Are they listening?

It bothers me when politicians do not listen and lose the pulse of the average person. I continue to express that the so-called advantage to business that the HST will provide is nonsense. Doing business and running for council in Mississauga's Ward 9, I am frequently getting strong opinions everywhere I go. Common people have had enough of being over taxed! Why would I possibly think that taking more disposable income out of my guests pockets is a good idea?

Open The Books!

I am just amazed at our Federal MP's! They resist having their office budgets along with their expenditures made public. This is completely unacceptable to me. As a small business owner I am constantly aware of the public trust of tax monies, yet where is the public trust when it comes to our MP's and how they handle our hard earned funds? After all, it's our money.
When in public office, any public office, your representative works for you. I believe we need people in politics who will not forget who they work for.

Major event!

Congrat's to the Major's Management. Not only on putting together a great young hockey team but also making the short list for the 2011 Memorial Cup! Having Mississauga host this event would be a terrific economic benefit to the city. It would also do so much for our profile that we often struggle to put forth in the shadow of Toronto. Best of luck to the Major's in landing this event!

Hockey Parents Unite!

They call it the Silly Season for good reason. Yes that annual time of the year is upon us again as hockey parents in Mississauga. Late April is Try Out Time! While some kids will have “spots” on teams still many more are struck with the anxiety of where they are going to play next year. The question is who suffers the anxiety more the children or the parents. We all need to keep in mind that the best place for our children to play is where they will have the most fun. Let the tryouts begin!

It's official. I'm running!!

I'm running for the councillor's seat in Ward 9. I truly believe it's time for a change. A "Little", can make a big difference! Click here to see the Mississauga News article.

A taste for change

As a long-time Mississauga resident and business person, I believe Ward 9 needs a change. I love Mississauga. That's why we chose to raise our family and open our famous seafood restaurant here. Lucy's Seafood Kitchen has been Mississauga's favourite seafood spot for over a decade. My wife Lucy and I have raised our kids in this fine community and hope to continue strengthening it and improving it. Just like you, I care about our community. That's why I believe a "Little", can make it even better.