Written by Paul
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26 August 2010
LOCAL DEMOCRACY REQUIRES MODERNIZATION, SAYS VIRDO
Ward 7 candidate proposes methods to improve connection with residents
MILTON – The Town of Milton needs to move on from old-fashioned, out-of-date policies and into the 21st century when it comes to its local democracy, says Ward 7 resident and candidate Paul Virdo. “Residents in Milton, especially the new families who have moved into Ward 7, are looking for a more responsive, accountable and transparent government,” says Virdo, who would like to see improvements in the way the town conducts its business with residents.
Virdo says that there are a number of items that Town Hall can implement to be more democratic:
- Opening an “Office of the Taxpayer” to serve residents through their councillors – “Families in Milton want a direct connection to Town Hall through their elected councillors. Opening this office would provide a responsive and accountable service for residents. An online ‘MyMilton’ capability would ensure everyone is notified about important issues and events affecting them.”
- Create neighbourhood councils for each ward – “It is time that the town takes issues directly to the people. With formal neighbourhood committees, residents can provide input through a variety of media in real time or at their convenience. No longer would residents be required to attend meetings at specific times if their schedules do not permit.”
- Requiring ward residency for councillors and candidates – “Most voters automatically assume that councillors must live in the ward they represent. Making this the law would entrench that assumption and would follow the sentiment that residents deserve real local representation.”
- Removing the one-third tax-free allowance for councillors – “Working families in Ward 7 don’t earn any tax-free pay and neither should their elected officials. Removing this allowance would mean a small pay cut for councillors. I am prepared to take this cut and lead by example on my taxpayer-funded salary.”
- Putting cost-of-living increases to councillors’ salaries on the ballot for residents to decide – “The decision to increase councillors’ salaries should be taken out of the hands of council. No other ordinary working person in Ward 7 gets to set their own pay. Implementing a simple cost-of-living increase and having its merits decided by the voters is not only fair, but the right thing to do.”
- Requesting the provincial government to extend alternative revenue authority to all municipalities in Ontario – “All municipalities should have the ability to consult their residents about how to raise funds for important projects away from the property tax. Property tax is regressive by nature and financing the cost of large costs, such as hospital expansion, should be done in a way that is based on the ability to pay.”
- Banning for-profit corporate donations to municipal election candidates – “Residents are demanding that there be no improper influence, or the perception of influence, from profitable corporations who have an interest in the town. At the same time, creating a fair municipal contribution rebate program would provide incentives for residents to participate in the democratic process.”
- Instituting preferential ballots – Residents of Ward 7 deserve a representative who has the support of 50% or more of voters. Preferential or “instant run-off” ballots would enable voters to rank their preferences for a local representative and allow their vote to count if their first choice is eliminated. This change would eliminate the possibility of an elected candidate with support as low as 25% or lower.”
- Extending the right to vote in local elections to permanent residents – “Local government touches people’s lives more than the other levels. As a home for many new Canadians, Milton can lead the way towards openness and inclusiveness when it comes to our local democracy. Homeowners, whether citizens or not, deserve a voice at election time.”
“Milton is a dynamic and unique community. We have the opportunity on October 25 to lead the way in Ontario towards an improved local democracy. The residents of Ward 7 look forward to being a part of that change.”
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Contact: Paul Virdo
1-877-771-6387
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www.1ofus.ca
