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Huron Expositor, 2014-10-08, Page 22 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, October 8,2014 McKillop ward candidates answer voter questions in Winthrop Whitney South Huron Expositor Candidates running for positions in the McKillop Ward got a chance to intro- duce themselves and answer questions during an all -candidates meeting in Winthrop, Oct. 1. Incumbent Coun. Andrew Flowers, along with Brenda Dalton and newcomer Kevin Wilbee, fielded questions on every- thing from the depletion of provincial funding to eco- nomic development. After each candidate's opening statements, mod- erator Graeme Craig allowed members of the audience to pose questions to the candidates, at times having to encourage participation. Gerry Ryan, member of DONN ELLY Commercial/ Contract Disputes? L 4 U P H Y 18 The Square, Goderich Phone: 519-524-2154 926 Queen Street, Kincardine Phone: 519-396-3636 www.donnellymurphy.com Problem Solved Right Here NOTICE OF VOTING 2014 MUNICIPAL ELECTION Notice is hereby given that a municipal election will be conducted by the Municipality of Huron East for the following offices: • Grey Ward Councillor — two (2) to be elected • McKillop Ward Councillor — two (2) to be elected • Seaforth Ward Councillor — two (2) to be elected • Tuckersmith Ward Councillor — two (2) to be elected • French Public District School Board Trustee — one (1) to be elected by French Public School Electors Voting Day: Monday, October 27th, 2014 By -Law 20-2014 has authorized an alternative voting method and voting for the 2014 election will be by Internet or Telephone voting only. There are no paper ballots. Eligible electors will receive a Voter Information Letter (VIL) by regular mail with full instructions on the voting process. The VIL will contain your Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will be used in conjunction with your birthdate to access the internet or telephone voting system. The voting system will go live on Friday, October 10th, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. and will end on Monday, October 27th, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. You may vote by Internet or telephone at any time during that period. For those eligible electors who do not have access to either a computer or telephone, a computerized voting kiosk and telephone will be available for voting at the municipal office during regular hours 8:30 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday starting October 14, 2014 and from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Voting Day October 27, 2014. If you require help, your VIL provides the telephone number of the Help Desk or you may call or attend at the Municipal Office, 72 Main Street South, Seaforth (519) 527-0160 during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Voter Identification Letters were mailed the week of September 29th, 2014. If you are an eligible elector and did not receive a VIL, please contact the Municipal Office. An individual qualifies to vote if; • You are at least 18 years old on Election Day (October 27, 2014), • You are a Canadian Citizen, • You or your spouse lives, rents or owns property in the municipality and • You are not otherwise prohibited by law from voting. Brad Knight, Clerk/Returning Officer Municipality of Huron East Huron East Against Tur- bines (HEAT), asked all candidates if it was possi- ble for council to intervene in the group's current appeal to stop construc- tion on local turbines, if they would agree to spend the money necessary. In response, all candi- dates agreed the issue is a provincial one, and though they themselves may have concerns, many municipal councils have found their hands tied. Coun. Flowers added despite each individual councilor's opinion, no guarantee could be made about how others would vote. He also pointed out Huron East had already turned down a vibrancy fund offered by the wind companies and if HEAT could show it would be beneficial for council to intervene, there was no harm in taking a look at the proposal. Rob Tatu, another mem- ber of HEAT, asked candi- date Wilbee if, because he is known to support the Liberal party, if he also supports the Green Energy Act and would be fight for the people of Huron East against turbine construction. Wilbee responded though he does support the Liberal party, the con- struction of wind turbines is a provincial issue, and he felt he would not be able to do much since municipal council held no power over the issue. He encouraged residents to contact their provincial representative as he felt they were the most impor- tant branch to reach out to in the matter. Brenda Dalton agreed with Wilbee, adding she appreciated the public's passion for getting out and fighting. One resident asked the candidates what they would propose in regards to economic development, as well as youth retention in Huron East. Wilbee said be believes it's important with the con- tinued decline in popula- tion, to help make it more viable for young families to settle down in the area, offering more incentives to move to communities like Huron East. Dalton and Flowers agreed with Wilbee, while Coun. Flowers added one way to help keep youth in the area would be to pro- vide post -secondary edu- cation and training. Citing cuts to provincial funding, the candidates were asked what they would do to fight for rural Ontario. Dalton said she believes provincial representatives need to step up and that the issues are sometimes beyond local council. Coun. Flowers agreed. "I like to cross the T's and dot the I's," he said, adding the need to go through proper channels when dealing with such important issues. "I do everything to the letter of the law to make sure residents are protected." As questions wrapped up, Mayor Bernie MacLel- lan said he was happy to hear the candidates' responses and all three in the running are strong candidates. "No matter who you choose, McKillop is going to be well represented," he said. seaforthhuronexpositor.com OFFICE HOURS The Office Hours for The Seaforth Huron Expositor are as follows Mondays - 9am - 5pm Tuesdays - CLOSED Wednesdays - 9am - 5pm Thursdays - 9am - 5pm Fridays - 9am - 5pm Seaforth Won Expositor 8 Main Street, Seaforth ON PH: 519-527-0240 www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com