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Lakeshore Advance, 2012-04-11, Page 3Wednesday, April 20, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance 13 Dennis Valenta seeks federal seat Cheryl Heath QM Agency li)ennis Valenta is ready to run. alenta, a Clinton -based truck driver and property owner, is entering his fourth foray into the political realm since 2006, after considering not running again following his last unsuccessful election bid. Ultimately, Valenta opted to again run after realizing the support for his platform, which is largely focused on divorce law reform, has a fan base in Huron -Bruce. "I am seeing more support this time around," says the St. Jacobs, Ont. Native of the riding, which he has called home since 1992. Valenta says the challenge as an independent is getting his message out across the expansive riding while continuing to meet his responsibilities, which include a five-day per week commitment to the road as a truck driver. "It is frustrating that I can't collect funds the way political parties do," says Valenta, who adds that is why he focusing his campaign efforts this time around on new strategies, including '1'V commercials set to air on the A Channel in the coming weeks. "Independents are treated differently with election rules," says Valenta. "I think one of the reasons they do that is to keep independents out:' Dennis Valenta, of Clinton, is hoping to unseat Huron -Bruce's Conservative MP Ben Lobb in the May 2 election. But, says Valenta, his desire to see a change to divorce laws is a driving force in his decision to run. "People say I'm a one -issue candidate. It's one issue but it effects so many thinks P. especially when you are talking about the family." says Valenta, who says the fallout from a divorce impacts everything from the health-care system to education. "Divorce is a strain on the economy P. a strain of healthcare," he says. "It's a snowball effect." Hensall Community Focus Group Are you part of the surrounding communities of Hensall? Do you have ideas about what programs and services are needed to improve your community? Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre wants to hear from YOU... As part of Ontario's Community Health Week, we are holding a Focus Group in order to gain valuable input as to the needs of the community. Service clubs, community agencies and all citizens are welcome to attend. Date: Tuesday April 26th, 2011 Time: 7 pm Where: Hensall United Church "We Can Help" RSVP to Nichele Steenbeek, Community Health Worker at 519-262-3459 or nsteenbeek@gbchc.com Refreshments will be provided '!hough divorce law reform is the campaign's focus, Valenta says there are other issues that have drawn his interest in the past few weeks, including a recent court ruling that found the Conservative party in contempt. "Contempt of Parliament is contempt for the taxpayer as far as I'ni concerned. They should be punished for that," says Valenta, who believes the Conservatives should be held accountable. 'though, he adds, it is unfortunate an election is now being forced upon the electorate when it would've made more sense to allow the party to serve until 2012. As for the campaign front, says Valenta, it seems ironic the federal Liberal party is pointing fingers with regard to the Conservatives' decision to purchase military planes when it wasn't so long ago the Liberals campaigned on a platform that questioned then Progressive Conservative government's decision to purchase $5 billion worth of military helicopters — a contract the Liberals cancelled, at an approximate $500 million cost, once elected. "There has to be a way to stop that kind of thing," he says. "We have to rein in spending 1 it is not sustainable." Still, acknowledges Valenta, "1 am running mostly about my desire to change the divorce laws." Those familiar with the Valenta campaign will recall he operated a non-profit parental rights' office, known a Daddy Loves You Too (DLYI') for about a year, but those efforts have since evolved into an online entity, www.theeactivist.com. "Ultimately, I believe I am the only one that can be the voice for the people because 1 don't have to abide by the party line," says Valenta. Those seeking more information on Valenta, who is a father of four and rental property owner, are encouraged to call him at (519) 606-5043 e-mail him via dljank@ theeactivist.com or visit the web site, www.theeactivist. com MP'S PRICING MADNESS CONTINUES! We successfully hit our target in March so GM has now set a new target for April so LET THE PRICING MADNESS CONTINUE!!! 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