Wards 3/4 candidate responds

I would like to thank the Bolton Kinsmen for the debate they held Oct. 25. I was happy to have the opportunity to present my Wards 3/4 regional council campaign and platform to a room filled with concerned Caledon residents. Unfortunately, two issues arose which I feel need a response.

Both of my opponents took issue with a campaign promise I made to bring full-time firefighters to Caledon. I am extremely proud of our volunteer fire staff. They do a tremendous job and deserve our thanks and appreciation for their efforts. We must be proactive with the safety of our residents and supplement our excellent volunteer staff with at least 12 full-time firefighters at a cost of no more than $1.5 million.

Former Caledon councillor Lucy Kristan asked me "how can the voters trust you when you didn't follow the building code with your own restaurant?" Kristan is fully aware of the truth behind the situation with my restaurant as she was on council at the time. She is aware that the Town of Caledon building department had issued a building permit, and subsequently penalized my tenant for installing a wordburning stove. Unfortunately, the red tape that existed then and continues to exist today, turned an innocent mistake into an expensive and troubling start for a new business; one that cost me, not the taxpayers. This nonsense had no place in a debate.

A special final thanks to everyone I've spoken with during this campaign. It has been my pleasure to visit every home and meet so many people. Please remember the importance of voting this Monday, Nov. 13. See you at the polls!

Tony Viola Candidate for Regional

Councillor, Wards 3/4