Had some catching up to do

Who wouldve thought that AFTER the election campaign, things got busier for me. Pat had a list of things for me to do when it was all said and done and I’ve really enjoyed spending time with Anthony…catching up on all those missed bedtime reading sessions.

A few things have changed since the election. One being that I will be moving on from my current employer and starting with a new company on December 4th. Oddly enough thats the date of the first inaugral council meeting…that starts at 7:30 pm on Monday and is quite the ceremony. I’ll be there to pass on my best wishes to the new council for 2007-2010.

This past weekend was the Milton Santa Claus Parade and it was quite frankly the best one yet. I have attended the last 5 parades and this year tops the charts with close to 100 floats if my counting was correct. Great job done by the organizers and I hope everyone had a chance to make a donation as they came by with the buckets. This organization doesnt get any funding from the Town and its all private donations and sponsors so be generous. If you want to get more information on how to get involved for next year the website is www.miltonsantaclausparade.ca

Someone uploaded a video on YOUTUBE.com of the Milton Santa Claus parade…watch it to see if YOU are there. Great job!

The next years parade will have a 150th Anniversary Theme to it. SPEAKING of the 150th Anniversary celebrations, plans are now reaching a fever pitch and things are falling into place. The 150th Anniversary calendar will be reaching households very soon and seeing some copies last night that came in hot off the presses…you will be AMAZED! If anyone ever says “theres nothing to do in Milton”…show them this calendar and prove them wrong.

The website for the 150th is located at the Town of Milton home page or click HERE and bookmark. Coming up this month, on New Years Eve will be the ceremonial bell ringing at Victoria Park by Town Hall with Mayor Krantz, Rose Brooks (winner of the 150th Theme contest) and Michelle Job (winner of the 150th mascot contest Milly the Millstone). It starts at 11:45PM so bundle up, bring some hot chocolate and ring in 2007!

In case you havent seen Milly yet, here she is. She will be at many of the events in Milton throughout the year. If you are having an event and you would like Milly to attend to help promote it, go to the 150th site and let us know.

And while viewing the YOUTUBE Santa Claus parade, here is a video made by in downtown Milton with a song from a local band called The Most Serene Republic. Great songs by some local talent. Check it out HERE

Thats it for the update for now. More stuff with the 150th and Campbellvilles Santa Claus parade in a few weeks. New job starts next week.

More fun putting them up then taking them down.

I just got back in from out in the rain … picking up lawn signs. I didnt realize I had so many! HA!

The weather didnt help either as it began pouring around 1130 when I decided to call it a night. If I have missed any signs, please give me a call or email and I’ll be by soon to pick it up.

Over the past couple of days I have caught up on some much needed sleep and answering many emails that have come in as well. Theres an old saying that “When you win, you hear from everyone…when you lose you hear from your friends.” Thank you to everyone who sent me an email or called. Its much appreciated.

Election night was very stressful indeed. Pat, Anthony, my friend Mike and I sat down around 8pm to watch the results at home on TV Cogeco. Usually the results trickle in but with the new voting machines…they came in all at once. Not the result we wanted, but I was very pleased with the level of my support. To those of you who voted for me, many thanks.

Afterwards I headed out to the Milton Seniors Centre to congratulate Rick and Brian. I spoke with Rick for some time and he asssured me that 4 years passes in a blink of an eye and encouraged me to stay involved. Dont worry Rick … I will !

I had just missed Brian so I headed out to Ned Devine’s to watch the rest of the TV Cogeco coverage and low and behold…there Brian was on TV….so I hustled around the building to the other side and met with him and his wife to give them my best wishes. It was a great campaign…I am very proud of it as never once were there any low blows as we’ve seen in other wards. Good clean fun.

Now begins the process of analyzing the numbers…where did I go wrong, what could I hve done better? So much can be read from the numbers of the election…92 votes shy. That IS close. Here’s the breakdown.

This poll is from the Milton Sports Centre.
COUNCILLOR WARD 1
Times Counted 429/1718 25.0 % Turnout
Total Votes 748
Brian PENMAN 254 33.96%
Richard DAY 238 31.82%
Greg NELSON 145 19.39%
Mike CLUETT 84 11.23%
Eugene CUMMINS 27 3.61%

This poll is from the Royal Ontario Golf Club
COUNCILLOR WARD 1
Times Counted 248/1037 23.9 % Turnout
Total Votes 389

Richard DAY 154 39.59%
Brian PENMAN 133 34.19%
Greg NELSON 67 17.22%
Mike CLUETT 26 6.68%
Eugene CUMMINS 9 2.31%

This is the poll from Hawthorne Village PS.
COUNCILLOR WARD 1
Times Counted 1039/4991 20.8 % Turnout
Total Votes 1672

Richard DAY 455 27.21%
Mike CLUETT 418 25.00%
Greg NELSON 357 21.35%
Brian PENMAN 354 21.17%
Eugene CUMMINS 88 5.26%

This is the poll from Guardian Angels Catholic School
COUNCILLOR WARD 1
Times Counted 905/4123 22.0 % Turnout
Total Votes 1387

Mike CLUETT 423 30.50%
Greg NELSON 319 23.00%
Richard DAY 318 22.93%
Brian PENMAN 272 19.61%
Eugene CUMMINS 55 3.97%

Ive been asked what I’m most disappointed about with the results. The obvious choice is I didnt win. The main thing I was disappointed with is the voter turnout. It was, on a percentage basis, lower than 2003. That election saw 25% of ward one vote. The total voters in that election was about 6,000 and now were closer to 12,000. I guess the eternal question would be how do we get people to vote in municipal elections? Most people have said they dont understand or they dont know whos running or they didnt have time. Ive heard some people say they didnt see any reason to vote for anyone?

Over the next while, I would like to find out from people why they didnt come out to the polls that day. I dont want to sound preachy about it, Im just very curious. If you didnt vote, send me an email mike@mikecluett.ca and let me know.

To answer some of the other questions Ive been getting, yes I will be updating the blog … maybe not as regular as during the election … but it will be updated. I’ll be keeping up to date with the happenings at town hall … how they affect us in ward one. I will also be working with as many people as possible to get the Citizens Advisory Committee’s up and running.

It was one of my campaign promises and I’d like to have one of these start so we can begin the improvement of communication process for the town of Milton.

I’ll talk to you soon.

Congratulations Rick & Brian

I would like to congratulate Rick Day and Brian Penman and wish them well for the next term on Milton Town Council.

I would also like to thank those of you who supported Mike Cluett over the past several months… your support and friendship has been greatly appreciated. To my very good friends Mike, Keith and Paul, many thanks. To my friends and family … many thanks for your support.

To my wife Pat and son Anthony…words cannot begin to describe what your support and love have meant for me. You have been my strength over the past several months and without your love and support, I would not be where I am. I love you both.

Thank you to the voters of Ward One for your support. As promised I will be working with you over the next term of council to make sure we continue to live in the best place in the world.

Decision Day In Milton

I woke up this morning to some very nice emails. Today is Election Day! Please dont forget to vote. The “victory” party will be at Ned Devine’s located at the corner of Derry Road and 25 by the Food Port…please drop by and say hello!

“I just wanted to wish you all best today and have my fingers crossed (and toes) that you win. Jeff and I both feel that there is no better candidate than you to represent this town….So Good luck!!!!!!” Michelle & Jeff, Ward One

“Good luck Mike!!” Heather, Ward One

“Although everyone has to make up his or her mind, I will say that Mike Cluett was one of the most articulate and organized candidates. While some people may say that a good speaker isn’t necessarily the best candidate, you want someone who is confident and well spoken representing you.

Mike Cluett seemed to be all this and more.” Trish, Ward One (from www.hawthornevillager.com fourm)

“Thanks for your help, it was nice to meet you also. You can count on our vote”, Carol, Ward One

“I just wanted to send you an email to let you of one of the candidates for the upcoming election. His name is Mike Cluett, his website is www.mikecluett.ca.

I know him from working on the school council last year, him and his wife helped out with movie nights, etc. They have a son that goes to Hawthorne Village. They also got involved in the portable issues that went on.

He lives in our neighborhood, right on Yates Drive, so he is very familiar with what is going on around this area. So vote for him!” Andrea, Ward One

“You’ve run a really good campaign, and you deserve to win. All the best” D’Arcy

“You’ve put your heart and soul into this campaign!” Mike’s Mom (Not a ward one voter, but its nice to hear from your Mom!)

“I just wanted to say good luck. You have done a fantastic job on your blog/wed site and such. It’s good to see you back in politics. Your true love! Your son Anthony looks just like you and Pat is beautiful.” Mel S.

“Mike: I was driving through Milton a few weeks ago and saw your signs. I just wanted to wish you well tonight.” David W.

“Election Day is here!! We’ll be thinking about you, and keeping our fingers crossed. Good Luck Mike, you’ve been working hard to get here. I’ve looked at your web site and it’s very impressive. All the best for election day.” Michelle M.

Hey MIKE, where are you going to be?

Ive had a few questions emailed to me in the last 24 hours asking where am I going to be on Election Day. So I thought Id post it here.

I’ll be voting at my local polling station (Guardian Angels Catholic School) around the dinner hour. After that I’ll be spending some much needed time with my wife Pat and son Anthony watching some results on TV Cogeco. There will be a collection of candidates and supporters at the Seniors Centre on Childs Street where the results will be brought in and tabulated.

After all of that, win or lose, the Mike Cluett Campaign will make its way to Ned Devine’s for a celebration (hopefully a VICTORY celebration!) I should be making it there by around 9 or 915PM Monday night. When you get to Ned’s just tell them youre with the Mike Cluett party and they will direct you where you need to go.

Other than that, all the signs are out, the brochures have been delivered and now I leave it in your very capable hands. I hope that over the last few months of knocking on your doors and speaking with you, I have been able to answer any questions or concerns.

I know many of you that I’ve spoken with during that time follow my website and blog on a regular basis, and for that I say thank you. But there will be more…

If elected tomorrow, the website and blog will continue. It will continue to be a source of information for you and all Miltonians on whats is going on at town council and how it affects you. Since the beginning of my campaign I have talked about 4 main things…Neighbourhood Safety, Green Growth, Taxation, and Communication. Why? Because you told me that these were your concerns. Check out my website if you need any more details on my platform.

Please call or email if there are any last minute questions…if you need a ride to the polling station or to find out where you polling station is…you can go to my website and follow the links.

I look forward to serving you for the next 4 years. I’ll see you on Election Day.

Final Countdown

Theres only one day left before the election on Monday. I’ve been out knocking on the last few doors left and meeting as many people as I can before Monday. After that its in your hands.

I can only hope that I’ve given you a reason to vote FOR me instead of against someone else.

While I was out today I spoke with a gentleman who asked, why should I vote for you. In my most recent brochure I outlined those very reasons.

Mike is the only candidate who has committed to continue to knock on doors in between election campaigns.

Mike is the only candidate who has committed to use new technology like www.mikecluett.ca to help keep Ward One residents informed of issues that are important to them.

Mike is the only candidate who has committed to forming Citizen Advisory Committee’s to make sure the taxpayers and residents have a voice at the council table.

Mike is the only candidate who has a written plan of action to work to reduce speed limits on streets, to work with future developments to have more green spaces and parklands so that our childrean have safer places to play, to spend OUR taxpayer dollars with respect and to represent YOUR voice on town council for the next four years.

There is only one choice on election day. Vote Mike Cluett, Ward One Town Councillor.

To add to that I am a voice for the residential area of Milton. For many years town council has lost it focus on family based issues like neighbourhood safety, green growth and taxation. I would like to be your voice on town council for the next four years. Every thing I have talked about is in writing…a written committment to you. I ask for your support and your vote on election day and I will continue to give you support every day after.

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to email me mike@mikecluett.ca or phone me (905) 878-1327.

I’ll see you on Election Day.

Lest We Forget

By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-191 Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.
Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Words of encouragement…

Speaking of the Hawthorne Villager website, here is a comment that was received that was very much appreciated.

Posted: Fri Nov 10, 2006:

I really encourage people to watch the Cogeco coverage of the candidates. The Champion has listed the times in past papers and I’ve caught many reruns by chance. I can honestly say that I was undecided until I tuned in to see these candidates in action.

Although everyone has to make up his or her mind, I will say that Mike Cluett was one of the most articulate and organized candidates. While some people may say that a good speaker isn’t necessarily the best candidate, you want someone who is confident and well spoken representing you. Mike Cluett seemed to be all this and more.

BTW I’ve never met Mike, I’m not related to Mike. This is just the impression he gave me. Make the effort to be informed and don’t forget to vote on Monday.

Trish

Like Trish said, its important to make an effort on Monday and vote. No matter who you chose to vote for, its important to vote…to have your say on the direction this town takes for the future.

You can read this thread here. Thanks again for the kind words and they are greatly appreciated.

A great comment!

Last night at Cafe Deda was a pretty good success. I know that many of the Hawthorne Village parents were at an event at the school last night and couldnt come. There were quite a few emails from people who said they tried to get out but couldnt make it.

We had quite the impromtu collection of candidates as well last night as most were returning from door knocking in the area for a quick cup of coffee at Cafe Deda. I think most of us would agree we cant WAIT until November 13th…I know Im looking forward to it.

I was on the Hawthorne Villager website today (Rick the webmaster was one of the people who attended the Meet n Greet at Cafe Deda…nice to finally meet you!) and I noticed one thread and one of the posters “QweenB” made a very good comment…

She said…”A good representative is the voice of the people.” Ive included a link to the thread and here is my response.

Very well said. Forgive me for going into “campaign” mode but I’d like to make sure this gets addressed.

Town Council and the region have known there were proposals coming for power plants in this general area for well over a year. They are correct by saying they couldnt do anything about Pristine becuase the proposal wasnt in and complete. This however should not stop them from letting the residents in the affected area know that the proposals were forthcoming.

Communication is key for elected officials. They must keep people up to date on what is going on or could be going on in their community.

What I have proposed and promised if elected is to keep knocking on doors in between election campaigns. So that way if for instance we found out that there are tenders going out for power plants in our general area, the residents can be notified of the process, informed of how they can get involved and who they can speak to about concerns.

I have also promised to set up Citizen Advisory Committees to address specific issues that will come up in the next few years like the EFW, taxation issues, traffic, construction etc. This way the committee can let their concerns be known to the councillor and in turn the councillor can inform the town of what he heard and your concerns.

In addition to the CAC’s, there WILL be more town hall meetings and information sessions. As I mentioned at that last Pristine Power info session held by Rick, its about time we had one, and if elected they will continue.

Finally, I have promised to use my website as an additional source of information on whats happening in the area. Its convenient and a great way of communicating. This is a tool that hasnt been used in the past by our councillors and that has to change.

You made a great comment QweenB and its something that Ive heard many times while knocking on doors. Things have to change soon. I am the only candidate in our ward that has made these committments. Some stated they want to communicate more, but havent outlined a plan of how to do it.

Check out my website for more information and if you or anyone else has any questions, please feel free to call or email me.

I hope to count on your support.

Mike

Future Dunking and Coffee Talk Prep

Over the past several weeks in the campaign there have been many “Meet the Candidate’s” meetings, informal debates, information sessions, Milton Masterpiece Theatre’s, and other things to keep the daytimer of a candidate full.

Last night was an “informal” discussion / debate for the Halton Public School Board Trustee position. Given all the debates across town recently, Pat and I havent had the chance to see these two in action (these two meaning Paul Tate and Donna Danielli)

Seeing the fact that our son Anthony is in the public school system, I found a way to attend this meeting…as a parent. My first thought and comment to Pat was that Im glad to be on the OTHER side of the debate table for a change.

That meeting went well with about 10-15 parents attending at Hawthorne Village Public School. Afterwards I was speaking with Heather, who organized the debate, about some other issues of importance to her and others like a bike path by Trudeau to name one.

Some good discussions came out of that evening, during and after the debate. While the rooms were being cleaned up I had a chace to talk to a young father of a 6 month old who grew up here in Milton but now lives in Burlington. Hes worried about what Milton has to offer our youth.

And he has a right to be concerned as we all should be. He has seen first hand growing up in Milton if theres nothing to do…kids get into trouble. Milton is being built now to benefit young families…children from babies to 10 years old. But they wont stay young for long now will they. I know that because it wasnt too long ago, Anthony was crawling around and now he’s reading Pat and I his Jack and Annie books. What about when he turns 15 or 16?

What will he or many of our children do then? Splash pad just wont cut it when theyre that age and the movie theatre can show only so many films.

I am confident that the town has programs to keep the youth engaged but is it enough? Not from what I’m hearing. Its something we should be thinking about now, because if we wait another few years, it will be too late and our kids will be reading much more to us than Jack and Annie books I can assure you. We need to start talking with business owners and investors to encourage them to talk to kids…engage them…and get their input to come up with ideas … SOON!

Heather and I were also discussing other means of raising much needed funds for the school when I offered my services to be dunked at the next carnival fundraiser for Hawthorne Village PS. Me and my big mouth!!! HA.

Its all good. Im hoping Heather WONT remember that promise, but then again she is very good at remembering things our local representatives have promised and NOT delivered in the past.

Just as a reminder Pat, Anthony and myself will be at Cafe Deda tomorrow night starting at 7pm until 830pm (or until Farris boots me out…whatever comes first) HA.

I look forward to seeing you then to answer any questions you might have or if you just want to come by and say hello.

Talk to you then…and I’ll see you at the doors.