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The Citizen, 2010-10-07, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2010. Continued from page 1 with the North Huron process, where he was in favour of the closure of the four schools, and the construction of a large school to accommodate all of those students. One thing, however, that he was not in favour of, and still isn’t, is sending the Grade 7 and 8 students to a secondary school setting. “I can see the advantages to it,” Hunking said. “But I still have a hard time with it from a social aspect.” The issues, however, stem much further than school closures and the Accommodation Review process, both local candidates list the curriculum going forward as one of the most important issues in this election. “I’ve always been a strong believer in a basic education,” McLellan said. “Reading, writing, communication and basic math. If you don’t have those, you can really be handicapped, but if you have them, the sky’s the limit. You can go anywhere you want to go.” McLellan says she knows that she can’t “change the world” when it comes to a position on the board of trustees. “The problem isn’t with the board,” McLellan said. “The board’s hands are tied by provincial legislation a lot of the time.” And while there may be frustrating times, should she be elected, especially with so many decisions being mandated by the provincial government, she says, that’s no excuse not to try. “If you just throw your hands up and say, ‘it’s never going to change’ then it won’t,” she said. “That’s not a reason not to try.” Hunking says he wants to see more interest taken by local parents and that if he can help to educate local parents, even if he is not elected, he will have felt that he has done his job. Hunking says he is frustrated with the “Toronto approach” that is being taken to rural and small school boards, saying that the tactics aren’t transferable to a smaller school system. Incumbent trustee Laurie says that the reasoning behind her decision to run again was so that she could see the transition process through as local schools close and give way to new ones. “I just want to see it through,” she said. “I want it to happen as promised, so that it will end up being better for our students.” She said that despite the fact that the term is coming to an end, it would be a tough time to leave her seat, with so many of the local projects in transition. North Huron councillorswelcomed John Challinor II, the director of corporate affairs for Nestlé Waters to their Sept. 20 meeting. Challinor was there to discuss a proposal that had been presented to council to remove bottled water from North Huron Township facilities. Challinor opened by stating that he was representing his company on a point of principle and not as a company that could stand to lose money over the decision. He stated that the decision to remove bottled water is a controversial one, and one that could have unforeseen consequences. “First and foremost, we’re here on a point of principle, we don’t sell our products in vending machines, we typically sell our products in retail outlets like grocery stores,” he said. “However, we are firmly opposed to banning the sale of bottled water in any municipal facility where there is regular public access.” Challinor offered suggestions ofhow the township can fight wasteand encourage healthy living, thenstated that banning bottled waterwould not help reduce waste significantly, and would encourage less healthy lifestyles. “Bans on bottled water send the wrong message to consumers about the health and wellness attributes of water - bottled or otherwise,” he said. “Banning bottled water will not result in increased consumption of tap water, nor will it reduce the amount of plastic beverage bottle litter in facilities where it is being enacted. “All banning bottled water does is replace one piece of plastic with another piece of plastic, as most residents and staff will simply opt for another beverage in a plastic container,” Challinor added. He then quoted a Vancouver City staff report that stated “The availability of bottled water in civic facilities is limited and represents only a tiny fraction of the market. It is unlikely that its elimination will have a significant impact in terms of reducing solid waste and greenhouse gases.”Challinor stated that, by removingwater from their vending machines,the township would be encouragingpeople to drink higher-caloric drinks, denying people with immune deficiencies water that has guaranteed ingredients, and denying staff and visitors the right to say they prefer the taste of bottled water. “We’re not saying that people shouldn’t drink potable water. Quite the contrary, if potable water is available, it should be used,” he said. “However, it is everyone's right to choose whether they want bottled water or tap water.” Challinor then fielded questions from councillors, assuring them that the bottles were not made of carcinogens, that their water had a shelf-life that was strictly adhered to, and that the majority of water bottles do make their way to recycling plants, and not to landfills. Reeve Neil Vincent stated that Challinor had given council many things to think about, and that they would discuss the proposal at a later date. Nestlé Waters visits NH Reviews lead to interest in local trustee seats Concentrate It wasn’t all hard work on Friday, as Kaleb Roth demonstrates, there was time for fun and games as well, as parents and students gathered at Grey Central Public School on a day off to help spruce up the school. Brush was collected, soccer posts were painted and paths were cleared, but Roth took some time out to paint a footprint sculpture. (Shawn Loughlin photo) B ea t th e BluesBlues Not feeling like your usual self and wonder what’s wrong? Do you lack energy, crave comfort foods and feel sad during the winter season? The Huron community Family Health Team is hosting an information session to help people learn about Seasonal Affective Disorder and Light Therapy. Thursday, October 14, 2010 Dr. Robert Shepherd — Psychologist - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Light Therapy Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Location: Huron East Health Centre - 32B-1 Centennial Drive, Seaforth, ON (Beside the Community Care Access Centre) Everyone is welcome ~ Light refreshments served. Please call Joan Spittal 519-600-2273 x207 for further information. By Denny ScottThe Citizen