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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2010-08-26, Page 3THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2010. PAGE 3. North Huron taxes too high says VoddenContinued from page 1their schools.”“I believe that the future use of allof these properties must contributeto the future of the community in avery tangible way,” he said. “My first criterion is that the properties’ new usages must generate substantial taxes to the municipality. Any alternative which does not offer direct tax benefits must contribute directly and substantively to the economy of the community.” Vodden also wants to take a hard stance on taxes. “Taxes in North Huron are too high,” Vodden stated. “North Huron provides more services than most communities with similar populations. The main problem is that our industrial/commercial tax base is too small, causing an excessive burden on residential taxes.” Vodden went on to say that this over-taxation of residential properties to make up for a lacking commercial/industrial property base is a problem across Huron County. Vodden stated that, if elected, he will be advocating an analysis of tax spending to identify and remove unnecessary processes, and look at opportunities to merge programs and services that might face elimination, as to not “cause undue harm.” “I will also be voting against the inception of any new projects unless they offer a certain and swift return on the investment,” Vodden said. “I cannot promise that taxes will be lowered, only that I will work with council to keep them as low as possible.” Vodden stated that seeing lower taxes is a vision shared by everyone in North Huron, including councillors, they just want to ensure that lower taxes won’t lead to a lower quality of life. Vodden’s last platform deals with citizen involvement and how he hopes more people will become involved in their community. “I would like to see greater participation from members of the public in local government matters,” he said. “I appreciate the phone calls and e-mails I receive from North Huron citizens as well as the many ‘main street conflabs’. I would also like to see more people attending council meetings even when there are no big controversies on the agenda.” Vodden stated that, if elected, he intends to reach out and inform citizens about what is being done on their behalf moreoften.Vodden also commented that hewill seek out ways to ease relations with other municipalities, which have been “rocky” over the past year, and he hopes those problems can come to conclusions,and that the municipalities can work together to provide betterservices.Lastly,Vodden states that he wants council to be more focused on new opportunities, and less on controversies.“I hope and trust that the newcouncil will be less occupied byinternal and external strife, and ableto focus on very exciting andpositive ventures that enhance our municipality and our image,” he said. The Citizen offices will be closed on Monday, September 6 for LABOUR DAY The deadlines for the September 9 paper will be Friday, September 3 2 pm in Brussels and 4 pm in Blyth Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me! (J.R. Miller, “Miller’s year Book — a Year’s Daily Readings”) “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me!But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you — for My power is made perfect in your weakness!” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 Many prayers which seem to be unanswered — are really answered. The blessing comes — but in a form we do not recognize. Instead of the very thing we sought — something better is given! The burden is not lifted away — but we are sustained beneath it. We are not spared the suffering — but in the suffering we are brought nearer to God, and receive more of His grace. The sorrow is not taken away — but is changed to joy. Our ignorant prayers are taken into the hands of the great Intercessor, and are answered in ways far wiser than our thought! Instead of earthly trifles — heavenly riches! Instead of things which our poor wisdom sought — things God’s infinite wisdom chose for us! Instead of pleasure for a day — gain for eternity! A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-291-1956 Sunday Buffet 4:00 - 6:30 pm Stickers Family Restaurant Auburn 519-526-7759 All-you-can-eat only $1245 NEWS FROM BLYTH BUY? SELL? TRY CLASSIFIED Museum meats Verna Steffler of the Friends of the [North Huron] Museum cooks up some sausages to raise funds for the North Huron Museum. (Denny Scott photo) Sorry to hear that Marie Button is a patient in Clinton Public Hospital. We wish her a speedy recovery. Happy birthday to Diana Robinson who celebrates on Aug. 25 and to Margaret Brooks on Aug. 29. Happy anniversary to Brent and Lori Brooks who celebrate on Aug. 28. Nancy McInnes is home this weekend visiting with her dad, family and friends. BLYTH UNITED CHURCH Greeting at Blyth United Church on Sunday,Aug. 22 was Fred Meier, ushering were David Onn and Cliff Snell. Music director was Floyd Herman. Rev. Gary Clark welcomed everyone to church and gave the announcements in the bulletin. He drew everyone’s attention to the ladies making turkey pies on September 15. If you wish to order, call Joann at 519-523-9274. Also there will be no garage sale or beef on a bun the week of Threshers Reunion this year. Hope Button is looking for pictures of happenings in the church from years gone by for Anniversary Sunday and also for some to go in the time capsule. The first hymn was “Where Two or Three are Gathered” followed by the call to worship repeated responsively. The second hymn was “Give Us Laughter.” The scripture reading was from Luke 13: 10-17. The choir sang an anthem. Rev. Clark’s message to the congregation was Worship as Play, Play is Worship. The next hymn, “Take My Life” was followed by the receiving of the offering, the offertory hymn, the prayers for the world and The Lord’s Prayer. The last hymn, “Will Your Anchor Hold?” was sung followed by the commissioning, benediction and the sing of the choral response, “Go Now In Peace”. By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318 From Marilyn’s Desk