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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1971-10-14, Page 5Ken baleen Clinton NeWeeileCOrd, The!replay, October 14, 1971 5 Progressive Conservatives Name: Charles MacNaughton. Experience: 13 years in the Legislature, holding the portfolios Of Transportation anti Communications, Treasury and Economics, Highways, and a former member of the Ontario Water Resources commission, Party Affiliation: Progressive Conservative (and proud of itl), Transportation in Huron Ceuney; Most of our Huron municipalities agreed with the MODA report that Huron has an excellent road system with good connections to London and Kitchener. My department is building, in stages, an improved connection to 401 by upgrading and realigning No. 8 highway to the Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway. Huron will benefit from the 20-year road program being developed for the Lake Huron - Georgian Bay area. It may also be possible for Huron to be connected with the new regional air services which my department is encouraging to stimulate development in slow-growth areas, Education: I would put this simple proposition to the parents of Huron children: Would you not agree, despite the problems associated with reorganization of our school system, that both rural and town children now have a better opportunity to acquire knowledge and special skills than ever before? I suggest to you that, on balance, our school system in O ntario compares most favourably with any other province, Tax Reform; Under the tax reform program that I launched in 1969 as Treasurer of Ontario, Huron ratepayers now receive nearly $1 million in residential property tax reduction grants and over $600,000 in farm tax rebates, Provincial grants toward local school costs now pay for 71 percent of the county board's expenditures, In other words, the province contributes 71 cents for every 29 cents collected from property taxes in Huron. Ontario subsidies to Huron for both municipal and educational purposes totalled $13,004,178 in 1970, compared to $5,681,338 raised by property tax levies, To put it another way, the province pays $2.29 from income and sales taxes for every one dollar collected in property taxes in Huron. Under our reform program, the government is committed to a staged, orderly process of shifting the burden from property tax to more progressive tax fields, I do not believe in drastic changes in our tax system which might discourage commercial development, remove incentives for small businessmen and farmers, and create serious unemployment. Should campaign expenses of each candidate be limited and should their source be revealed? 1. I do not think you can control election expenses effectively. How would you charge the casts of paid peilitieal organizers and canvassers, for example? How would you calculate the donation of volunteer time and materials? Even with a small army of investigators, I think it would be difficult to check the election expenses of at least 350 candidates, assuming an average of three in each of the 117 ridings in Ontario. 2. Listing the sources of campaign assistance would be just as difficult, for some of the same reasons. Many modest contributors, who can't donate time to the campaign, often wish to remain anonymous, I suggest that financial contributions, like volunteer efforts, are made because the people believe in the kind of government or policies that a party advocates, They support a cause or performance, just as people support a service club or a community campaign, Many businessmen donate to our party, even though Ontario has some of the toughest laws in North America in such fields as consumer exploitation, pollution and employee .rights. These businessmen believe in responsible private enterprise. These same businessmen are usually the largest contributors to united appeal campaigns, to community projects of all kinds, to service club work. I think it is interesting to note that many churches, who used to list financial contributions from members in an annual report, have stopped that practice for reasons that would also apply to political contributions. In the final analysis, voters judge a political party by its policies and its performance, This is the only sound basis of evaluation. Is the quota system in agricultural production good or bad? Could it be improved? Under the general question of "supply management", I think it is important to recognize that Ontario's marketing legislation provides just as much power to farmer-elected commodity boards as the Labour Relations Act gives to labour unions. The point is, however, that the producers themselves must determine by democratic decision the extent to which they wish to manage the supply of their produce and to influence the prices they receive. I would not presume to tell farmers how far they should go with supply management. Since it affects their livelihood, they alone should make that decision. In general terms, however, I would suggest that some form of supply management can be beneficial when the market is limited. It protects the market for the small producer against the larger operators who could fill the bulk of market demand through intensive production, On the other hand, a quota system for Ontario would not prevent over-production in other provinces which would depress our markets, a problem verified by the recent Supreme Court decision against inter-provincial trade barriers. For this very reason, our Ontario Minister has been active in making proposals to Ottawa for national marketing solutions. Any system of supply management can be improved, of course. Our recent experience in industrial milk suggests that all systems must be flexible enough to provide for adjustments in market demands. How can the, lot of the family farm be improved, or can it? Quite definitely, the income of the family farm can be increased,• particularly if the farmer wishes to take advantage of the many services and opportunities made available to him by the Ontario Government. The key, however, lies in individual and group initiative. In the broader field, producer groups have the right to develop comprehensive marketing programs under producer-elected boaeds. On the individual side, farmers have access to expanded extension services in research, engineering, farfn management, soil and, crop recommendations, farm credit advice, and feed program services, The capital grants program offers financial assistance for farm improvements and the ARDA program assists with farm enlargement, drainage and other projects. (It is relevant to note that no other group in our society, including small businessmen, are entitled to this kind of financial aid,) The Centralia School of, Agricultural Technology, among others, offers close-to-home training in farm business management and home economics. Our high schools and aymmunity colleges offer adult retraining courses, For supplementary income, Ontario offers capital grants for farm vacation hosting which could be particularly beneficial to Huron because of our proximity to Lake Huron, the Stratford festival and many other attractions within any hour's drive. The job opportunities outlined below also provide significant sources of supplementary farm income. These and many other services are available to help the farmer and his family enjoy the social benefits of rural living. Opportunities For Youth in Huron: 1. Young people are sharing in the jobs at Huron Industrial Park which now employs 700 people, A number of these plants are expanding. 2, The 10 industrial loans for plant expansion in Huron have a potential for at least 700 additional jobs, with corresponding opportunities for youth. 3. The continuing refinement of our agricultural respurces in Huron offers opportunities for our youth people, This potential is enhanced by the practical training provided by Centralia College of Agricultural Technology. 4. If Huron County, as a community, decides to develop its tourist potential, youth could find many employment prospects in a service industry of this kind. What is the biggest single problem facing the Province of Ontario? Jobs, Our economy must continue its expansion to provide the employment required for young people coming into the labour stream. Over the past quarter century, our PC government has been notably successful in maintaining a climate conducive to economic growth. With a third of the population, Ontario now accounts for one-half of Canada's production of goods and services. While greater emphasis must be given to environmental concerns and more encouragement given to Canadian ownership of industry, we must be careful not to discourage the investment we need to create jobs for our young people. The Ontario Government already has moved in a positive way with its "Venture Capital Fund for Canadians" which finances new and imaginative business risks by our own entrepreneurs. More favourable terms have been established for perforance loans to Canadian-owned industry. Prime Minister Davis already has outlined a major program for employment this winter, Quite frankly, I have some misgivings about the "Big Brother is watching you" approach of the Liberal party to foreign investment in Ontario. I think we can establish responsible guidelines for foreign capital without creating a hostile and suspicious atmosphere for investors. But I would be genuinely alarmed if the NDP was allowed to pursue its policies of state control and operation of various segments of Ontario industry. The radical "Waffle" proposals frighten me. The NDP commitment to greater power for labour unions, its permissive attitude toward American control of our Canadian unions, and its belligerent attitude toward management in general would create a rapid flight of capital from Ontario into the welcoming arms of other provinces. What is the biggest single problem facing the people of Huron? As I have stated on numerous occasions, I believe our first and most immediate priority is to establish beneficial activities at (See Page Six) Election roundup The News-Record polls the candidates on the issues in the Oct. 21 election Her are their answers aughton seeks another term, New Democratic Party I. Carroll fights newness of party Paul Carroll Name: Paul Carroll. Experience: Reeve of Goderich; chairman of town's recreation board and Harbour and Waterfront Committee; president of Stratford Teacher's College Alumni Association; president of Goderich Horticultural Society; member of Huron County Planning Board. Party Affiliation: New Democratic Party. Transportation in Huron County: As far as roads are concerned, we are blessed with a competent County Roads Department and Municipalities which are concerned with good roads and streets. Because our sitting member has been directly involved in transportation on a Provincial basis, it is an obvious assumption that the repair and maintenance of our highways system has been kept in order. I must state, however, that I do not agree with certain aspects of transportation planning in Ontario. As it affects the people of Huron, a 15 or 20-year plan for highway development is not geared to solving immediate needs, We lack adequate access to the major corridors of Ontario, the need have previously stated the need for access to the 401 at Kitchener from the entire Huron-Perth region. This should be in the form of a four-lane connector from Stratford to the 401. The economic benefits to be derived would surely reach even the lakeshore municipalities. The North-South traffic movement along' Lake Huron requires study and an immediate solution as well. I believe that an NDP government would re-direct the use of funds' for expensive expressways in highly urbanized areas to the establishment of simple and effective transportation corridors in the outlying areas. In 20 years, the automobile may not be the main vehicle of transportation; building highways for that time period is questionable. More research must be undertaken to examine alternate high-speed transportation methods, particularly for public transportation. The elimination of passenger train service has not resulted in a viable alternate method. The New Democratic Party has been examining the possibilities for regional air transportation services to areas like this, We are all aware of the recent local discussions regarding the same matter. Education There must be established a new sense of where we are going in education, Are we getting dollar value return from the massive investment in education? Many would suggest we are not; and the NDP agrees. Our Party has proposed an immediate over-all study of the system from nursery school to university level. We believe there is a need for an education system more open to the community and more in touch with it. Those general statements reflect thoughts that have been commonly expressed by New Democrats who are concerned about education. One thing we are not saying is that education can be less in importance. Our future depends on the education system that we institute. Less emphasis on the bureaucracy of the administrative empires in education and more emphasis on the children themselves would build a better investment. We see a real need for voluntary pre-school programs in the form of nursery schools. If women ,are to continue working outside the home and contribute to society in that manner, there is also a need for government to become involved in providing assistance in the establishment of community day care centres as an element of the nursery school concept mentioned above. Schools must become community resources involving students, parents, teachers, and administrators working together to guarantee a "total educational environment" for the community, With that concept in effect, the millions of dollars invested in buildings and facilities can serve the public interest at an optimum level. Tax Reform: In a recent study of Ontario Tax Changes from 1960 to 1969, W. Irwin Gillespie, in the Canadian Tax Journal (July-Aug. '711 stated: "The Ontario Government fairly consistently introduced regressive tax changes." I think that the comment speaks for itself. A system of rebates and repayments has served to quiet discontent in some quarters, but has done nothing to eliminate the injustice in taxation in Ontario. In fact, these repayments are so structured that the taxpayers themselves are paying, through administration costs, for a rebate of money they have already paid to government. In my estimation, it does not reflect very efficient business methods. New Democratic tax reform is based on a ten-point plan to institute fair taxation. I can summarize them very briefly: a. a tax mix with emphasis on progressive taxes, b. a sensible increase in the contributions of corporations, c. tax credits which are fairer than higher exemptions." d. progressive removal of education, health and welfare costs from the property tax base. This will allow property taxes to pay for services to property. e. the removal of all education property taxes for pensioners and equivalent allowances for those paying rent. f. negotiation to allow the regional governments in operation to have access to federal income tax. g. resource tuxes to guarantee a fair return to the people of Ontario for the use of their resources. It. succession duties geared to prevent the breakup of family businesses and farms. i, motor vehicle and gasoline tax kept to a level to cover the motorists' proper share of road systems costs, je the immediate reduction of the healthcare costs to a combined premium of $10 per family per month, excluding pensioners. (Premium systems are regressive and should be eliminated where possible.) The tax jungle must be reformed. I feel that these measures will build a dynamic system that penalizes neither those who earn little, nor those who earn much. Should campaign expenses of each candidate be limited and should their source be revealed? I have no hesitation at revealing both the source and disposition of my election funds. We are spending about $1,000 and relying on the volunteer enthusiasm of our workers to get our message across. Our election day team of scrutineers and drivers is not paid. Our sources for this campaign: one industrial contribution, no funds from labour or organizations, the balance from the pockets of our members, and fund-raising ventures. Our official Party policy is to impose limits on campaign expenditures. In the interests of "equal opportunity" for all contenders, I suppose this is justified. In my books, however, I think money cannot beat peoplepower; I think the results of this campaign will bear that out. Is the quota system in agricultural production good or bad? Could it be improved? There is a need for production control. The key to a successful quota system lies with the control in the hands of the producers themselves. As such, self-regulation can serve the best interests of the ' farming community. There is a need for flexibility and price changes which reflect the changing costs of production. Our program of producer-controlled marketing boards and our system of income incentives to farmers will provide the best balance in controlling the interests of the farmer in production and .;the interests of the consumer as well. How can the lot of the family farm be improved, or can it? This social institution is being threatened by the integration of corporate interests into the business of farming. It is reducing the role of the farmer to that of a hired hand in many instances, subject to the whims and desires of the food processors. Current government policies are doing nothing to prevent the disappearance of the independent family farm. An NDP government would institute the following measures,,.., a. legislation to restrict the corporate ownership of farmlands and to -.keep ownership in Canadian hands. b. a change in assessment methods resulting in the elimination of education bees on the productive land and facilities. c. a producer-controlled marketing system. d. an income incentive program where required as a short-term measure. d, a central wholesaling agency for machinery to help curtail production cost increases and standardize parts. e. credit at rates that reflect his cost of production. What is the biggest single problem facing the people of Ontario? At this time in the history of Ontario, the biggest single problem affecting the citizens of our Province is the very basis of our prosperity, the economy, Its far-reaching impacts range all the way from cost-of-living to unemployment, And it's not an easy task to propose New Democratic solutions in this type of summary. We are concerned with the fact that more and more decision-making is being taken out of our hands and the very well-being of this Province is being threatened by the shallow nature of our branch-plant economy. We are concerned about the use of our natural resources in a manner that neither returns a just benefit to Ontario nor guarantees that our resources are being preserved for future generations of Ontario citizens. We are concerned about (See Page BM') Liberals' Ken Duncan fig-his ander Nixon's banner Nettle: Ken Duncan. Party Affiliation: Liberal. Transportation in Huron County: A freight system is not enough to keep the area alive. When Charles MacNaughton took over as Minister of Transportation and Communications, the first action he took was to commission a re-appraisal study from his economist. But he is a little late in the day. Bob Nixon has a complete plan worked out for a road-rail system in this part of Ontario, which will etad the drain of those seeking employment, into the Golden Horseshoe. Part of this plan involves a more direct link with the 401 artery, which has become the lifeline of Ontario. This is, of course, envisaged as part of a Master Plan for Ontario, a framework of intention into which the municipalities can sketch further detail. In 28 years of rule, the Tories have failed to come forward with a plan of this kind, but instead have thwarted local initiative in a negative manner, by insisting all planning proposals be referred to the Community Planning Branch at Queen's Park. Under the Nixon scheme, planning will be a positive thieg, So long gas the framework is adhered to, the detail will be left to local responsibility, as it should be, Education: Property taxes are far too high, particularly oh farms. In 1945 our farm taxes were 60 dollars a year, and the sale of three pigs would cover them. Today, they are 600 a year, and it takes 14 pigs to break even. Pigs are a farmer's "constant dollars", and he will not be fooled that things are getting easiet if he thinks in such terms. Bob Nixon will remove 80 percent of the cost of education from the property tax, which will then be used for what it was originally intended — local services to the people. Farms which are setf-sufficient in these matters will rightly expect a reduction in their property taxes when the education burden is lifted. If that does not happen, they can pinpoint responsibility on their locally-elected municipal representatives and deal 'with them et the next Municipal election through the ballot box, That is what Bob Nixon means when he talks of local autonomy and local responsibility. At the end of high school, paid for by local taxes, the young have had to migrate to the city in search of the employment opportunities that have been lacking here, It is only fair, therefore, that the educational tax burden should be shouldered by the Province as throughout the Province. Under a Nixon government, this will become apparent, as taxes begin to make sense once more, and local farmers, smallholders and small businessmen can again begin to make progress and revitalize the economy. Tax Reform: Essentially, the key and permanent tax reform proposal of the Nixon administration will be the educational tax reform outlined above. Grants to municipalities will almost be wholly unconditional. Bob Nixon is pledged to uphold the continuance of the viable family farm, and his tax reform proposals will be aimed to this end. Catiepaige expenses: During the life of the Nixon administration, a Government bill will be introduced making mandatory the disclosure of the source and amount of campaign contributions, and showing a breakdown at the party headquarter and individual candidate level. However, on four occasions during the current campaign, Nixon has refused to disclose Liberal campaign fund amounts- or sources on a unilateral basis. .11e argues ;that disclosure and limitation- must apply to all equally, Only Premier Davis has resisted this demand. Agricultural Production Quotas: As presently administered, agricultural quotas are not working for the benefit of the farmer in this area of Ontario. The key is the insensitive application of the regulations. While some modification of the ground-rules may be necessary:, there is a good deal of leeway that can be taken up sensibly by Boards reacting to the climate in the farming community. The current temotertess is largely dictated by Agriculture and Food Minister Bill Stewart himself, who has tended only to listen to the bigger voices of agribusiness and vertical integration, and to ignore the smaller, independent producer. Despite a surplus of milk cheese factories are forced to close because they lack sufficient quotas. The Family f=arm: The family farm should provide a decent livelihood for the family dwelling there, without everyone having to take a second job to make ends meet. Wherever there is a chance to keep a farm prosperous, taxation and marketing policies will work toward the betterment of all engaged in its operation, under a Nixon government. a whole. The broad Provincial tax base le the key to equity and fairness in the appropriation of educational costs and benefits Youth Opportunities in Huron: The magnet of Toronto exerts its irresistible pull on iluroe's youth. What is needed is a counter-centre to balance Toronto's influence. Bob Nixon sees 21st century style growth centred oil what is now Port Elgin and Kincardine, but the development will transform all Huron as well as all of Bruce in the process -- and it will begin within months of a Liberal govetnment taking office. A viable road-rail network is only part of the Nixon plan for revitalizing this forgotten corner of Ontatio. The Biggest Problem Facing the People of Huron: Loss of local autonomy to Queen's Park has turned Huron into a "drainage basin" from which brains, skills, talent and muscle-power all flow away. Educational institutions exist here only to supply the City in the main. The biggest Problem racing the Province of Ontario: Unquestionably, unemployment resulting 'from Ontario's having no real 'control of the firms who do business here, The recent closure of a Stratford toboggan compeller, which had a backlog of Ontario Christmas orders, and employed 130 people, is the classic example. The firm was a tool in the corporate reorganization of its Los Angeles parent company. Under a Nixon Liberal government, this firm would have been placed under public trusteeship for en indefinite period, Any Other Topic: Elective office is a great honour but the elected representative must not be a mere rubber-stamp. He must be able to assert his views and make them register with higher levels of government. The catdinal sin of successive Tory governments in Ontario, culminating in the accelerated approach of Hon. Darcy McKeough when Minister of Minister of Municipal Affaits, was to emasculate the local municipal representative, by taking more and more powers back to Queen's Park from the municipalities, First it was planning; then came regionalism on the grand scale, making for government so remote that personal contact became impossible between councillor and those who elected him. Finally, centralized assessment at ea-tailed "Market 'Value" (really the inflated values of Toronto-trained assessors) was introduced, and even the mildestehannered Tories began to explode, Only a Nixon Liberal administration now has the ring of truth, the truth ().f change you can trust".