Ashley Gluchowski, Miss Southern Ontario 2008, was denied funding for the Miss Canada competition by her hometown, Monday. She had made a request for $1,250.

Financial assistance requested by Miss Southern Ontario 2008 was denied by her hometown Monday.

Ashley Gluchowski of Smithville had made a request for $1,250 to the Township of West Lincoln, to allow her to compete for the title of 'Miss Canada Globe' at a national pageant in Toronto, August 24.

The pageant promotes Canadian women with all types of beauty, women as ambassadors for their city, region, province and country.

Alderman Doug Joyner had brought the issue before administration at a committee meeting last week.

"If she was ever to win Miss Canada, our logo will be plastered all over the billboards," he said. "We would have a built-in ambassador for this municipality like you've never seen before."

Gluchowski, a graduate of South Lincoln High School and the University of Western Ontario, needs two major sponsors. The Egg Board of Ontario has already signed up.

Every time Gluchowski appears at the pageant or on television, her sponsors' names will also be advertised, said Joyner.

However, the request did not adapt to township policy, which indicates that "local athletes participating in 'designated sports' who win on a provincial or national level will be awarded $100."

"I believe in fairness across the board," said Ald. Sue-Ellen Merritt, noting that the township had not sponsored others in the past.

"We have strict criteria," added Mayor Katie Trombetta, adding that, as Gluchowski is a West Lincoln resident, the township will receive due promotion regardless of funding.

In a 4-3 vote, the request was denied Monday. Ald. Joyner, Ald. John Glazier and Ald. Mary Dinga were the aldermen in support.