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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-11-09, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1994. Students’ Voice What can council do for you? Jennifer Miller Jennifer is a 16-year-old Grade 11 student at Central Huron Sec­ ondary School. She resides with her family outside of Clinton. When she is asked what she would like to see her local council do for the young people in her community, she has several sugges­ tions. She says the most important issue is student awareness. "We need to be more aware of what council is doing, they should keep in closer contact with us, and give us more say in important issues," she says. Jennifer, a student in the recently implemented graduated licenses program, says that she and others her age should have had the option of voicing opinions on the matter through the municipal council. She feels another important issue that council should address is edu­ cational funding. Don is 15 years old, a resident of Vanastra, and a Grade 10 student at Central Huron Secondary School in Clinton. He stresses the need for council to allow young people to make choices without interference. "I do not agree with the smoking ban on school property; I feel it is a stu­ dent's personal choice whether he smokes at school or not," he says. Don is referring to the current pro­ posal to ban smoking from school property entirely. He says that municipal council should support students rights in this matter, and allow them to make their own choices, right or wrong. Pauline is 17, and a Grade 12 stu­ dent at Central Huron Secondary. Pauline and her family are long time residents of Blyth. When she is asked what she would like to see council do for the young people in her community she suggests the need for activities. "I would like to see some organiza­ tions in Blyth designed for stu­ dents. It would be nice for us to have some kind of activity so we can get together as a group," she says. Pauline adds that often the youth are not regarded as having worth­ while ideas and concerns, although this perception is incorrect. Newman challenges reeve Acclaimed as deputy-reeve for Grey Twp., Robin Dunbar seeks co-operation with other North Huron municipalities to encourage economic growth. "The goal of municipal govern­ ment in the 1990s is to maintain our level of services to the town­ ship without.raising the costs (taxes)," he says. Mr. Dunbar also hopes to see improvement in township roads. He has served on Grey council for two terms. Trustee takes active role Denise is a 16-year-old Grade 12 F.E. Madill student. She lives in the Bluevale area. Marie Cronyn When questioned about what council should do for the young people in her community she had a popular response. "Council should get youth more involved in activi­ ties," she says. "It is necessary for students to feel a part of the com­ munity so they will want to give something back to it in the future," she says. A 17-year-old Grade 12 student at F.E. Madill Secondary School in Wingham, Marie is very interested in community affairs. She currently resides outside of Blyth. Marie has several ideas when asked what she would like to see her council do for the young people in her community. "Council should listen to what we have to say on issues such as graduated licenses," she says. "We also deserve more respect in the community," she adds. Marie says that more activities are needed to keep young people busy. She also stresses the need for community support in student employment. "It isn't easy for a student to find a job in this area, more support would be appreciat­ ed," she says. Elizabeth Carr Liz attends F.E. Madill. She is presently 16 years old, in Grade 12, and a resident of Brussels. Liz responds to concerns about the Cadets organization when asked about council's responsibility to young people. "I would like to see council support the Cadets," she says. As a devoted member of the group Liz says she would like to get more people involved, and receive some financial backing for special events. "I would like to see the Cadets travel more, and partici­ pate in more activities. With com­ munity support from the council we can do this," she says. Letter to the editor Pauline Siemon Pauline Siemon has been acclaimed to the position of McKil- 1 op and Seaforth trustee to the Huron County Board of Education. The mother of four has served on HCBE's Supervised Alternative Learning for Excused Pupils Com­ mittee for three years. She says, "The reason I sought this position is because I believe as a parent I should take an active role in my children's education." "I feel it is important that chil­ dren are taught the basics, because if they have a good understanding of reading, math and phonics in their primary years, their senior years will be easier," she says. Mrs. Siemon says that her per­ sonal goal is "to work together with administration and the teachers to acknowledge and applaud the posi­ tive aspects of our education sys­ tem". Also, she hopes to recognize areas which require attention in order to strengthen and improve upon them. Dale Newman is challenging the incumbent reeve in Grey Twp. Mr. Newman served on council for one term from 1988 to 1991, six years on the BMG Community Board and 10 years on the BMG Recreation Board, six as chair. "The four most important issues are increasing the tax base without raising taxes, attracting industry to the township, straightforward com­ mon sense policies and solutions and determining the benefits to the township of more paving of the roads," he says. He says there is a need for change, new policies and ideas are needed. "I have the desire to serve the people of the entire township, north to south, and to listen to their con­ cerns." After an extension was required for the filing date in Grey Twp., past reeve Charlie Thomas has thrown in his hat for the one unclaimed seat on council. Mr. Thomas served as the reeve for six years, sat on council for seven and was a member of the school board for three. His intention as a councillor is to help Grey Twp. prosper and grow; to increase the tax base and there­ fore the revenue, without having to increase taxes. Writer reminds November Diabetes Month THE EDITOR, "With your help we will be known as the people who cured diabetes." In Sir Frederick G. Banting square, adjacent to the Banting Museum, the Flame of Hope bums brightly for all the people affected by diabetes. The Flame was lit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, on July 7, 1989. It shares the square with a statue of a man who held out the first hope for people affected by diabetes, Dr. Sir Frederick G. Banting. The flame will bum continuously as a symbol of hope and commit­ ment, until a cure for diabetes is finally found. The Flame of Home serves as an inspiration to canvassers and donors who support the ongoing research that can and must ultimately find a real cure. Please support the door to door fund raising campaign of the Canadian Diabetes Association. Mary Lou Stewart Campaign Chair for the Village of Blyth. THE EDITOR, Joseph’s Catholic Parent Teachers Association will be hosting an information session called "Strengthening the Partnership across Huron. We have invited all the elementary and secondary schools across Huron County including the Public and Separate School Boards and the Christian Schools. This evening is planned to give schools in the area an opportunity to share ideas, gather information on how to set up an organization in their school, fact sheets on how to draft a constitution, talk to various fundraising company representa­ tives who will have an exhibit there, sample their products and have a chance to win some of the door prizes they have generously donated. We are also very pleased to provide an opportunity to hear an excellent motivational speaker, Norman Barlow. We are hoping every school in the area will be represented. Some of the parent groups are even setting up a display to show off their school colours, school logo and pictures of their achievements such as playground equipment. We are looking forward to a great evening. We would like your readers to know, even if they haven't replied, they are most welcome to come on Thursday, Nov. 10, at St. Joseph's School, Clinton. Our program runs from7 - 9 p.m. but in order to see all the wonderful exhibits, our doors open at 6:30. If parents need further information, please call our school at 482-7035, Joanne at 482-7865 or Jane at 482-5243. Joanne Riehl.