BY HUNTER CULHANE
Scene & Herd recently sent emails to all candidates in the 2018 Milton municipal election running for Local Councillor and Regional Councillor positions.
Milton’s ward boundaries were recently redrawn. Milton now has four wards, down from eight in the 2014 municipal election. In the upcoming 2018 Milton municipal election, one Local Councillor and one Regional Councillor will be elected from each of the four wards.
Local Councillors are responsible for reviewing reports, making recommendations, and creating policies related to the Town of Milton. They serve on Milton’s Town Council.
Regional Councillors are responsible for reviewing reports, making recommendations, and creating policies related to Halton Region and the Town of Milton. They serve on Halton Regional Council as well as Milton’s Town Council.
Ward 2 is located in the northeast part of town. It is bordered by Derry Road to the south and Regional Road 25 (Ontario Street) to the west. Public Schools in Ward 2 include Robert Baldwin, Sam Sherratt, E.W. Foster, Bruce Trail, and Chris Hadfield.
There are two incumbent councillors running in Ward 2. Arnold Huffman is currently the Local Councillor for the old Ward 5, and Rick Malboeuf is currently the Local Councillor for the old Ward 4.
There are more youth living in Milton than ever before. This means that Milton will soon have thousands of new potential voters. As such, we asked the candidates for their answers to seven questions primarily relating to issues facing Milton youth.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order, regardless of incumbency. The candidates’ answers have not been edited in any way. The questions and answers are listed below:
Question 1: Do you believe our current town infrastructure (schools, libraries, community centres, sports centres, parks, trails, etc.) addresses the needs of Milton youth effectively?
Aman Singh Hans: NO RESPONSE.
Arnold Huffman: Yes particularly with our Education village now having Provincial approval with Laurier University and Conestoga College being developed. Our New Mega Park with connecting trails and the New Sherwood Community Centre. No because we need more Schools but they are not governed by Local or Regional Council. Work with all levels of Government and organizations with community consultation from youth.
Rick Malboeuf: NO RESPONSE.
Falak Shoaib: NO RESPONSE.
Question 2: As a Regional Councillor, what specifically will you do in your ward to make youth feel a greater sense of belonging within the fabric of Milton and Halton Region as a whole?
Aman Singh Hans: NO RESPONSE.
Arnold Huffman: Offer free transit for students plus tax incentives for jobs created and hiring of youth outside of youth community service requirements. Allendale Project including all ages. Encourage more young people to get involved with Milton Youth Advisory Committee to Town Council.
Rick Malboeuf: NO RESPONSE.
Falak Shoaib: NO RESPONSE.
Question 3: Most Milton youth find themselves having to travel outside of town for a satisfactory shopping experience. Given that Milton continues to have only one (small) shopping mall within its boundaries despite being a town of over 110,000 residents, do you have any plans to incorporate something ambitious (e.g., a new shopping mall that is more youth-oriented and easily accessible) into any Town Plan or study?
Aman Singh Hans: NO RESPONSE.
Arnold Huffman: We have been working hard with our staff for promotion of Business Development and Commercial Development. Recently the creation of PERSPECTIVE Milton 2018 was launched to precisely accomplish exactly what you are asking to happen. Check it out. Amazing stuff.
Rick Malboeuf: NO RESPONSE.
Falak Shoaib: NO RESPONSE.
Question 4: There are more youth living in Milton than ever before, many of whom will find their first job here. What will you do as Regional Councillor to ensure enough local jobs are created?
Aman Singh Hans: NO RESPONSE.
Arnold Huffman: As mentioned in answers to 2 and 3, plus the Downtown plan just approved in principal to meet the needs of not only youth but for all Miltonians and their families.
Rick Malboeuf: NO RESPONSE.
Falak Shoaib: NO RESPONSE.
Question 5: What is a key difference between a Town Councillor and a Regional Councillor?
Aman Singh Hans: NO RESPONSE.
Arnold Huffman: The primary job of both is to convey the consensus of the community to staff and do governance. Regional Councillors should work as a team to oversee major Halton projects and major roads, waste, recycling, water/sewers, regional planning and development, police, health and welfare, social services affordable and community housing to name a few. Local Council, for administration community services, transit, local roads, fire and emergency services, local planning, by laws, and town development.
Rick Malboeuf: NO RESPONSE.
Falak Shoaib: NO RESPONSE.
Question 6: What is a fun fact about you?
Aman Singh Hans: NO RESPONSE.
Arnold Huffman: After being selected as a 2010 Olympic Torch Bearer for over 30 years of community service by John Furlong the Games CEO, I developed a power point presentation. For many months every day or night I visited Seniors Facilities, Schools, Service Groups, Retirement Homes, Long Term Care Facilities, Girl Guides, Brownies, etc.. Sharing the experience and inspiring others was the least one could do from having been given the immense privilege of representing their Country. I’m so Very Proud to Be a Canadian and Miltonian
Rick Malboeuf: NO RESPONSE.
Falak Shoaib: NO RESPONSE.
Question 7: Where can Milton youth learn more about you and your campaign for Town Councillor?
Aman Singh Hans: NO RESPONSE.
Arnold Huffman: My WEB PAGE arnoldhuffman.ca or my Flyer.
Rick Malboeuf: NO RESPONSE.
Falak Shoaib: NO RESPONSE.
The 2018 Milton municipal election will be held on October 22. Visit MiltonVotes.ca for more information.
Image Source: Metroland Media
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