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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1991-10-30, Page 31THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30,1991. PAGE 31. Brussels council candidates discuss issues MARY STRETTON GREG WILSON Candidate for councillor Village of Brussels Candidate for councillor Village of Brussels During her first term as council­ lor, Mary Stretton has been actively involved in many community ser­ vice clubs and committees. She has served as council's representative on the Brussels, Morris and Grey Recreation Board and as its OPP Liaison for the Extended Service Office. Mrs. Stretton says she found her first term of office to be a learning experience and says now there are some projects council has begun that she would like to see finished. For her the most important issue in this election is to serve the com­ munity to the best of her ability, while making the best use of limit­ ed financial resources. She is, she says, always willing to listen to the people. If elected Mrs. Stretton says her goals are to continue to promote the Industrial Park, continue recon­ struction of sidewalks and roads, continue emphasis on promotion of recycling to reduce waste and to make wise use of tax dollars to keep the mill rate from rising dras­ tically over the next three years. A life-long resident of Brussels, Greg Wilson feels it only makes sense to seek a second term on council. "I feel the three years prior experience would be wasted if I did not apply it to another term," said Mr. Wilson. He believes that with his 20 years experience as well in municipal engineering that he is able to offer some sound advice towards the vil­ lage's annual construction pro­ grams. Though he doesn't see any partic­ ular issue of importance facing Brussels council in this election he hopes that the new council can make good, sound sensible deci­ sions in the day to day affairs of the village. "I enjoy being involved in municipal decision making and I am very proud of our village," he said. Mr. Wilson would like to see some storm sewer projects com­ pleted if he is elected and would like to continue with the sidewalk and road program throughout the village. DAVE HASTINGS Candidate for councillor Village of Brussels A former employee of the village for six and a half years, prior to being elected to council three years ago, Dave Hastings says he has an excellent understanding of how the village functions. "I have enjoyed the past three years serving the vil­ lage as a councillor and I am look­ ing forward to serving another three years," said Mr. Hastings. "I have given my time to the village for the last 15-20 years, having been involved with the fire depart­ ment, community centre, and Booster Bus, just to name a few. I feel I am qualified for the position." If elected this term, he says his goal is to see more sidewalks replaced, and better lighting and storm sewers installed where need­ ed. The most important issue of the election he says is to keep the mill rate down to an acceptable level and to try and generate industry in the village to keep the people of Brussels employed. BRUCE HAHN Candidate for councillor Village of Brussels A resident of Brussels for 17 years, Bruce Hahn has served three years as councillor and has decided to run for another term in order to see some projects completed. "Dur­ ing the first term on council I got involved in other committees (Medical-Dental Centre Board and the Brussels Fire Department). There are some projects that have been started and I would like to be around to see them completed," said Mr. Hahn. One of these pro­ jects is a badly needed Fire Hall. Though he doesn't see any major issues facing council in this elec­ tion he would like to see new industry in the village and has set one of his goals towards this. In addition Mr. Hahn says he wants to try and keep the village taxes at a workable level. Grey candidates speak their minds about LEONA ARMSTRONG Candidate for Reeve Grey Township Veteran Grey Township reeve Leona Armstrong says that she sin­ cerely hopes she has built up a trust over the years with her ratepayers and now must serve the best inter­ ests of her people and the munici­ pality. "There is a sense of excitement and purpose in making changes and improvements and set­ ting policy for your community's future," she said. Mrs. Armstrong has been part of many decisions and policies in her political history. A councillor for four years, deputy reeve for two and Reeve for 11, she also served in 1986 as county warden. She has over the years, served on many Boards and Committees at the local, county and provincial level. Presently, in addition to her duties as Reeve, she is President of the Majestic Women’s Institute, which bears the motto "For Home and Country". She is a a director of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority and Vice-Chair of its Finance and Administration com­ mittee. Since 1987, when it was formed, Mrs. Armstrong has been a member of the Huron County Waste Man­ agement Committee. She sees the citing of a safe county landfill and responsible affordable government as the most important issue in this election. "I want to work together to locate a safe Huron County land­ fill maintaining community values and the quality of live," she said. If elected she hopes to witness the opening of the Huronview North. She will strive to retain the township's identity in a restructured county. She would like to see the Cunningham Bridge on Cone. 9 and 10 replaced and continue road build up and bridge maintenance program. "I will try to achieve a balance between the demands of the people and the ability of the taxpayer to pay for the services." HELEN CULLEN Candidate for councillor Grey Township With six years experience as councillor Helen Cullen feels she can be of assistance in keeping the township financially stable. She secs environmental issues as the principle issue in this election and to that end will work towards the hope of keeping the township landfill site in good working order with a continued recycling and by encouraging citizens to composte. As well, she will strive to see that the roads and bridges are kept in good repair. CHARLES THOMAS Candidate for Reeve Grey Township A former Grey Township Reeve for five years, Charles Thomas has decided to seek the position again as he felt it was time for a change. Mr. Thomas has 10 years experi­ ence in municipal politics and says the reeve owes allegiance to the people who elect him or her. "The needs and wishes of the con­ stituents of Grey Township should take priority over county matters whenever there is a conflict," he says. Mr. Thomas was, he says, encouraged to run by a number of ratepayers. One of his goals is to respond to the wishes of the Grey Township constituents in determin­ ing the outcome of the Huron County landfill site. He will as well, he says, pursue useful devel­ opment and assist citizens to achieve their goals so everyone can benefit. ABIGAIL CORBETT Candidate for councillor Village of Brussels A relative newcomer to the vil­ lage, Abigail Corbett felt that the experience of running for council would be a educationally beneficial one and though she has never held political office before, she says she is very willing to learn and is look­ ing forward to the experience. "If elected I plan to learn a lot about council. Also, I will listen to the people and do what I can to bring their questions before coun­ cil," she said. The only new candidate, Abigail felt that the people of Brussels deserved a choice in the election. She says the most important issues facing council is the challenge of keeping the mill rate down and to put a stop to leaf burning in the vil­ lage._________________________ IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS More than 100 million children are without basic schooling, and two- thirds of them arc girls. Basic educa­ tion and literacy for all are among the most important contributions that can be made to the development of the world’s children. issues is kept to a minimum," he said. If elected to office, Mr. Dunbar says his goal is to see that the selec­ tion for the county site be done quickly and fairly. Also he wants to see the continuation of the recy­ cling program and to begin a town­ ship composting program. Candidate for councillor Grey Township Robin Dunbar has served one term on council. As well, he has been on the Walton Landfill Com­ mittee and on the North Huron Economic Planning Committee. Mr. Dunbar has been involved in the community as a cub/scout lead­ er, soccer coach, served on the Grey Central Home and School Association and been a member of the Huron Federation of Agricul­ ture. He decided to run for a second term as councillor because he feels he has experience and knowledge to offer to the township. "In the last three years I have worked to get the recycling program going and I hope to be able to expand it." Fire and road safety are also key concerns of Mr. Dunbar and he hopes to see these maintained with­ out an increase in taxes, he says. Mr. Dunbar sees the concern over the four potential County landfill sites as the important issue in this campaign. "The township must protect its interests, especially the property owners of the four [candidate] sites. The township must see that they are treated fairly and that the disruption of their lives FRED UHLER Candidate for deputy-reeve Grey Township Fred Uhler served on Grey Township council from January 1982 Until November 1988. He decided to seek the position of deputy-reeve as he is concerned about the future of the township and feels there is a need for a full­ time farmer to be in office. He has served as a representative for Grey-Township on the Brussels Medical-Dental Board. He has Brussels Agricultural Society, Ethel United Church, Huron County 4-H Leaders Association and Brussels Curling Club. He sees the most important issue in this election as careful spending of ratepayers dollars. If elected his goals are for long-range fiscal plan­ ning and equal representation of all ratepayers.