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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1991-12-11, Page 1Get the picture | Christmas celebration Sports Photo coverage of the Brussels Santa Claus parade Hayrides, community pageant, bring Blyth together for Christmas Short-handed Bulls win one, lose one in weekend play See page 10 See page 3 See page 16 Bly th Council urged to freeze 1992 taxes Following the presentation of the treasurer's report at the December 4 meeting of Blyth council, a lengthy discussion ensued over how to cap rising taxes. Councillor John Elliott suggested a tax freeze for '91 saying he wouldn't hesitate to send a resolu- "we need to remind and reassure ratepayers that any action we take will not in any way compromise them. There must be no fear mon­ gering from any corners," he stressed. The proposal was then tabled for future agenda discussion. CitizenTheNorthHuron Vol. 7 No. 49 Wednesday, December 11, 1991 60 cents tion to other municipalities, the county and the board of education recommending they do the same. "The message has got to get through somewhere," he said. Councillor Elliott told council that he has spoken recently with trustees from the board, who have told him that if the province only gives the board five percent on grants it means 15 percent must come from the ratepayers. Councillor Steve Sparling agreed that something must be done, but cautioned that it must be done in a strategic manner. He said that if he felt there was a hope that by withholding funds the results would be positive, it would be good. He felt however, that it might not work that way and gov­ ernment might simply make cuts where cuts can't afford to be made. "If it means compromise to some­ thing that is operating now at a level that is just (barely) accept­ able, that is not good," he said. "The key to any tax position is that it can be a catalyst for change," he said. "You have to be able to direct a concern [in the right man­ ner] to achieve that, however." Councillor Sparling added that municipal government is the lowest rung on the ladder and that some­ thing like a tax freeze is "a pretty big nut to get a handle on." Councillor Elliott suggested that the change could begin with coun­ cil, saying that special meeting pay be done away with. "If we show we're willing to donate our time for the community then others may fol­ low. It may not have an effect, but it’s got to start somewhere. It's food for thought," he said. Councillor Robin Lawrie said that speaking as a private business­ man, something has to change. "Our benefit package has been cut in half. People are working more hours for less money. My wages are down 30 percent from last year. There is no way we can keep pay­ ing taxes with incomes shrinking." Councillor Elliott said that by backing off on their salaries as councillors they would set an example. "We can send a message to the board of education, because All dressed up It was a thrilling day for children at the annual Brussels Santa Claus Parade on Saturday afternoon. Not only did hundreds of kids get to meet Santa both at the parade and later in the fire hall where he gave out candies, but many got to take part in the parade themselves. This group showed a little shyness when the camera got too close. Hundreds see Santa arrive in Brussels Hundreds lined the main street of Brussels in mild weather Saturday to see the village's annual Santa Claus Parade. Observers praised the size of the parade and the quality of the floats that preceded the arrival of the great old man himself. Winners of the trophies awarded to the top entries in the parade were: best animal, Hans Verbeek; best adult clown, Ken Pethick; best adult cartoon character, Janet Mitchell; best child cartoon charac­ ter, Jason Crawford; best child clown, Paige Steen; best service club float, Brussels Beavers; best recreation and sports float, Brussels Figure Skating Club; best farm entry, St. Ambrose Choir; best parade theme, Grey township; and best comercial float, McGavin's Farm Equipment. OPP investigates Blyth, Walton break-ins the day the trustees do the same is the day they can sit down at the negotiation table and say we backed off so you back off." Councillor Sparling agreed, but again cautioned for strategy in council's approach. "Also," he said, Officers from the Wingham OPP detachment were busy Monday morning, investigating three break- ins which occurred overnight. Sometime during the evening of December 8, thieves broke into a back door at McGavin's Farm Equipment in Walton, and entered the office. They removed an undis­ closed amount of coin from the cash drawer and pop machine, a police spokesperson said. It is believed that the same cul­ prits were responsible for two bur- RIDE program spot checks nab 1 drunk One driver was charged with over 80 milligrams of alcohol and two 12 hour suspensions were issued during the first full week of th OPP RIDE program, which began December 1. Five other liquor-related charges were laid as well. A total of 205 vehicles were checked, down from last year's number of 307, due in part io inclement weather which resulted in fewer cars on the road. Last year, there were three ALERT tests done, with no suspen­ sions and six liquor charges laid. glaries and an attempted break-in in Blyth that same evening. Police say that thieves pried open the front door of the Blyth Inn to gain entry, then broke into the office and again took a quantity of coins and some cash. At Blyth Legion, the culprits gained access to the building through the front basement door on Dinsley St., police say. They then pried open the door to the bar, stealing a case of whiskey, three bottles of vodka, three cartons of cigarettes and numerous packages of cigarettes. Police said an attempt was made to enter the Blyth Mini-Mart, but it is believed that after the thieves entered the back door, they were discouraged by the reinforcements on the three inside doors. They left without taking anything. Constable Balzer is leading the investigation into the theft at McGavin’s, while Const. Roberts is the investigating officer in the Blyth break-ins. Police say damage to the build­ ings was minimal.