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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-04-30, Page 4PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30,1997 CitizenTheNorthHuron (TcflA P.O. Box 429, BLYTH.Ont. NOM 1H0 Phone 523-4792 FAX 523-9140 P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, Ont. NOG 1H0 Phone 887-9114 FAX 887-9021 Publisher, Keith Roulston Editor, Bonnie Gropp Advertising Manager, Jeannette McNeil The Citizen is published weekly In Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable In advance at a rate of $27.00/year ($25.24 + $1.76 G.S.T.) in Canada; $62.00/year in U.S.A, and $75.00/year in other foreign countries. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited. Advertising Deadlines: Monday, 2 p.m. - Brussels; Monday, 4 p.m. - Blyth. We are not responsible for unsolicited newscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright. Publications Mail Registration No. 6968 E ditorial Study good idea but... Huron County’s Agriculture and Public Works committee is drawing up terms of reference for a study into road management in the county. Similar studies in other counties seem to show substantial savings either by having all county roads taken over by local municipalities or having the county take over local roads. It's worth investigating. There’s no doubt there are inefficiencies with each municipality providing separate services. As consultant Bob Blay pointed out to Huron County councillors on Thursday, one municipality may have two graders when it really only needs one and a half, while next door another may have three graders when it needs two and a half. If they worked together, they could more efficiently use the equipment and personnel. There are plenty of issues involved in such a study, however, besides money. Studies in Hastings and Simcoe Counties, for instance, show the biggest savings seem to be from the county taking over local roads. But the projected savings don't take into account employment conditions such as union agreements. If municipal employees joined the county, would the savings be real or would they be eaten up by paying the same people more to do the same job? Would the level of service be the same? Perhaps there are more people and equipment than really necessary but townships and towns have that equipment and those people because they want to provide a level of service people have come to expect. If there are fewer snowplows, for instance, will they be able to cover the ground fast enough to get school buses down all the country roads in time? Will your municipality be a winner or a loser? Blay acknowledges there will be winners and losers. Some municipalities with a greater share of assessment will save because of the amalgamation. Some, with less, will pay a larger share even if the level of service stays the same. And finally, what saving is real and is it worth it? To make the numbers look significant, the other county studies deal with savings over 10 years, and the figures appear to be in millions. On a yearly basis, however, the saving is $600,000 to $700,000 in Hastings County. It's not an insubstantial amount but spread out over the population it doesn't seem like so much to each taxpayer. Is it, in some cases, worth the extra few dollars a year to have local control over roads? Who would you rather deal with if you have a problem, somebody at your local township office or someone at the county headquarters? It's a complicated issue. Yes, the potential savings make a study worthwhile but let's hope councillors take a look at the whole picture, not just the (apparent) bottom line. — KR A place for government Government, the mantra of the '90s goes, should stay out of business. Recent developments show, however, that things are not always so simple. Employees of the Provincial Papers plant in Northern Ontario have agreed to sell their shares in the company to Rolland Inc. of Montreal in a $26 million dollar deal. The sale will mean $30,000 per worker. It’s quite a windfall for the 650 workers who, five years ago, thought they would be out of a job. Abitibi-Price planned to close the mill. But Bob Rae's NDP government brokered a deal to let the employees buy the plant. They took a 20 per cent cut in pay and 100 still lost their jobs, but they turned the plant around. Becoming employee-owners changed the attitude of many who had been union members oblivious to the connection between the company's economic health and their own future. Now, with a stake in the company, they worked harder and felt more a part of the company. They were asked for input in decisions and had members on the board of directors. They made the company profitable enough that this plant, once thought worthless by Abitibi- Price, has been sought out by a larger company, which will modernize it and guarantee the future of the workers. Similar results came when the NDP helped workers buy Spruce Falls Pulp and Paper at Kapuskasing which has also been sold with a good profit for worker-owners. The lesson to be learned is that there is no one "right" answer. Different problems require different solutions. This solution saved jobs and communities, and made union members aware of the real world of business — all valuable accomplishments. — KR Photo by Bonnie Gropp Letters Thank you, says principal THE EDITOR, I would like to extend thanks to the many volunteers-individuals and organizations - who have given generously to support students and staff at Brussels Public School over the years. Whether you encouraged a child or staff member or helped with redeveloping the play area your contribution has enriched all of our lives. It is our greatest wish that all who volunteer their talent and time may be rewarded in that special way that only comes from giving. Thank you sincerely for the gifts of encouragement and support. David Kemp, Principal Brussels Public School Staff. County offers opportunity for input THE EDITOR, Within this newspaper, readers will find a schedule of meetings to consider the proposed new County of Huron Official Plan. These meetings have been scheduled to encourage you and your neighbours to discuss a variety of topics. This plan will affect many aspects of our everyday lives, such as the location of businesses, environmental protection, economic development strategies and agriculture, just to name a few. The County Official Plan represents a concerted effort by the residents of Huron County to chart their future. Huron County residents have been involved in a number of ways throughout the development of the draft plan - completing Community Action Kits and participating in a number of focus groups, workshops, public meetings, and discussions within their interest groups. Huron County residents have indicated what they like and dislike about their community, what they see for the future of their commun­ ity, and have indicated appropriate actions to achieve their visions for the community. These meetings are an oppor­ tunity to comment on the proposed directions which have been established by your fellow residents. This Official Plan is important to your future and the future of your community. Come out and participate in any one of the meetings which are scheduled throughout May and June. If there are any questions, or if anyone would like a copy of the plan please contact the Huron County Department of Planning and Development (519) 524-2188 Court House Square, Goderich, Ontario. N7A 1M2. Sincerely, Laurie Cox, Chair Huron County Planning and Development Committee.