Oakville Ontario News, Articles and Reviews

Marc Grant is a candidate for Ward 5 Town Councillor in The 2010 Oakville Municipal Elections.

Oakville.com: What are the platform issues that you are addressing?

Marc Grant: I’ve been working towards a number of projects over the last two terms and I want to see them completed properly. Once re-elected I’ll:

• Keep a steady eye on the new Hospital build and ensure that the ‘local share’ cost we pay in 2015 has no impact on the tax base by using funds from the sale of ‘Blink’ and interest payments from investments the Town has made;

• Continue to monitor new development applications to ensure they fit with the Official Plan and the vision of Oakville so we can build healthy, active communities with a mix of housing types while avoiding urban sprawl;

• Keep a closer eye on municipal finances and look for creative ways to cut wasteful spending;

• Press for more facilities and services to engage our youth;

• Persist in ensuring that transparency and public input plays a major role in all decisions made at Town Council;

• Carry on my work with the Town’s Economic Development team and the Oakville Chamber of Commerce to make our town more attractive to companies, such as those in the bio and hi-tech fields, as new business in Oakville will ultimately reduce commute times for our workers while lower residential taxes ;

• Maintain my push to keep our neighbourhoods safe from rowdiness and vandalism through my work with the local police and community groups;

• Persist in finding effective ways to curb speeding — one solution does not fit all cases;

• Keep providing a monthly open forum for residents to ask questions and express concerns as I have over the past years with the ‘drop-in’ meetings at River Oaks Recreational Centre.

Oakville.com: What is your unique position in this election

Marc Grant: I work together with people and approach every situation with an open mind, bringing my experience, knowledge and compassion to the table, whatever the topics the discussion might revolve around; I believe that municipal government should be inclusive and open to all people. I am comitted (full time) to serving not only the people of Ward 5 but ensuring that your voice and your concerns are heard throughout Oakville as a whole. I will always strive to ensure that discussions work from a base of mutual understanding and agreement.

Oakville.com: What do voters need to know that will compel them to vote for YOU?

Marc Grant: I am approachable and honest — I break down the issues clearly for people and I will not tell them just what they want to hear; I don’t make promises that I will not see get fulfilled. I have been an independent voice on council and will contiunue to be, I don’t rubber stamp, I research and look at the facts. That is why I encourage the people of Ward 5 to vote for me on Oct 25th.

The 2010 Oakville Municipal election will be held on October 25, 2010. Visit our special Oakville election 2010 section for the latest election news, candidate profiles and more.

It’s been seven years since Marc Grant made his first appearance in municipal politics, and this year he is up for re-election.

Now in 2010 – Councillor Grant, who really just prefers going by Marc – has made an impact on the town of Oakville.

Grant has been connecting with his community through his own website and social media presence, his work with town council, all while still managing to find time on his weekends to work as a cook for the Salvation Army Lighthouse.

His actions speak louder than words and needs no official “campaign” or “strategy” that will help him back into council this election.

[Related: More articles, news & photos about Marc Grant from Oakville.com]

“The reason I’m running again is because of all the things I’ve helped start, and I want to see finish,” he said.

Grant has been heavily involved in finding a solution to some of the rowdy behavior that he has seen in his own neighborhood.

As a part of the College Park community, Grant has received several complaints regarding some of the late night behavior in his area – and has been pushing for the proper solution to the problem.

“Oakville can get a little rowdy, and we want to have services to engage them.”

“I’ve been the key person in hiring this Development Officer. This person will help our communities on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with the police, schools, community groups, and churches.”

The hiring of a Community Development Officer has been an idea that Councillor Grant has been suggesting to town council, but he also wants to encourage new businesses and services for the youth who feel disinterested with Oakville.

He wants to continue to encourage and attract new businesses to Oakville and see the town of Oakville grow as a community.

Some issues he wants to tackle alongside council are the increasing transit and traffic problems seen in Oakville. Grant was also a part of the council decision to build a new hospital in the city of Oakville in 2009.

“As much as I respect my opponent I really feel that I care about this community,” he said.

“Seriously. This is just me caring about the place that I live in.“

The 2010 Oakville Municipal election will be held on October 25, 2010. Visit our special Oakville election section for the latest election news, candidate profiles and more.