Monthly Article: June 2012
NORTHUMBERLAND - As always, it’s been a busy month at Queen’s Park for me and my colleagues, made doubly busy with the last-minute issues surrounding the passage of the government Budget Bill. I’m looking forward to being back in the riding on a more regular basis to hear your concerns.
Connecting directly with constituents was the reason I held a series of town hall meetings this week, with live events in Port Hope and Brighton, and the very first telephone town hall meeting held by an MPP in this riding. It was great to get feedback from constituents and hear their thoughts on what we need to do to get Ontario back on track. I was particularly pleased with the turnout for the telephone town hall meeting on Monday. More than 2,000 participants joined in the phone conversation and we had dozens of great questions about the budget and other important provincial matters.
Yesterday was the last day of the spring session of the Ontario Legislature. I sincerely hope that the tense attitude which characterized the end of this session is replaced by a more co-operative attitude when the Legislature returns in the fall.
It can’t be understated how much the real work of Queen’s Park is performed in committees. Whether it’s amending legislation or investigating the hundreds of millions wasted on ORNGE, almost all of this session’s major accomplishments have occurred in the committee rooms. Committees will continue to sit throughout the summer including one Standing Committee that is holding hearings on the future of the LCBO and our liquor regulations. I am delighted that the committee agreed to my suggestion to meet in Trenton next week, one of only two hearing days outside of Toronto. If you wish to make a written submission, or attend the Committee hearings, please contact my office (1-800-263-3980) and we’ll be happy to get you all the details.
Throughout the summer, I intend to meet as many constituents, hold as many plant tours and visit as many municipal council meetings, as possible. Getting to meet the great folks who make up our riding and to see the results of their community spirit is truly one of the best parts of my job. If you have an event, large or small, please let me know and I’ll do my best to attend.
While I’m sure voters would rather not worry about a mid-summer election, I remain very concerned about the direction Ontario is headed. I take great comfort in the opportunity to spend time with constituents and take in the many fantastic summer events of our community, especially the Canada Day celebrations all across the riding and Cobourg’s renowned Waterfront Festival. If you see me at an event, be sure to say hi and let me know what’s on your mind!
Published in Northumberland Today as 'Milligan uses town hall meetings to connect with constituents'.