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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-11-05, Page 3Council candidates A small gathering met at Blyth Memorial Hall, Oct. 29, to hear the municipal candidates speak. From left: acclaimed Reeve Mason Bailey, Councillor Rob Lawrie, council-hopeful Jeff Howson and moderator John Elliott. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5,1997. PAGE 3. Current and prospective Blyth councillors spoke to approximately 35 people at the all-candidates ’ meeting, Oct. 29. From left: Councillor Gerald Kerr, hopeful George Reinink, Councillor Ron Ritchie and Councillor Ooug Scrimgeour. VILLAGE OF BLYTH PUBLIC NOTICE The Village Municipal Office shall be closed on Tuesday, November 11th for Remembrance Day. John Stewart, A.M.C.T. Clerk-Treasurer Small crowd on hand to hear candidates discuss issues By Janice Becker Citizen staff It was a small and rather subdued crowd who gathered at Blyth Memorial Hall, Oct. 29 to hear the views of the candidates in the upcoming municipal election. Approximately 35 residents came to hear the seven council-hopefuls and two board of education candi­ dates speak, as well as those acclaimed to office. Acclaimed incumbent Reeve Mason Bailey began the meeting by summarizing some of council’s accomplishments over the last three years. They include the campaign for education finance reform, Mor­ ris Street paving, decorative street lighting, Greenway Project, McConnell Street development, Union Gas availability, reduced landfill costs and drainage for Thresher Park and Gypsy Lane, all while maintaining a zero increase in municipal taxes. Bailey said he is looking forward to working with the new council as they face amalgamation, restructur- Blyth People Lost heir winners were: yellow card high, Phyllis Boak; low, Jean Plaetzer; high green card, Arnold Cook; low, Edgar Howatt. Everyone is welcome again next week. Euchre results from the party at Memorial Hall Monday, Oct. 27 are: ladies' high, Erma Cook; men's high, Ruth Jardin; ladies' lone hand, Mary Turnbull; men's lone hand, Bernice McClinchey; low lady, Effie McCall; low man, Elliott Lapp. Seasons QRErnnas 20% Early Bird Discount when you order by Nov. 14th! VILLAGE OF BLYTH LEAF PICKUP Carter's Waste Disposal shall conduct a leaf pickup using their vacuum truck. Leaves must be raked to the curb and the pickup shall commence at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6th. John Stewart, A.M.C.T. Clerk-Treasurer »7 ing and the downloading of costs. “We are all concerned about downloading,” he said. “We like what we have. With harmony amongst the council, staff and employees, there is not a lot to be fearful of.” “We want to retain our identity and the residents’ accessibility to council,” he said. “The strength of the business community is very important and I will encourage council to serve the people and work in harmony.” Council candidates Incumbent Councillor Gerald Kerr was the first to speak to the assembly. “Council has worked well as a team, to run things as a business and keep spending to a minimum,” he said. He pointed out the accomplish­ ments of the community centre board of the last three years, including the new air conditioner, furnace and dehumidifier and the switch to natural gas for an estimat­ ed savings of $18,000 per year. With regards to amalgamation, KeiT said the village should have their own plan so it is not done by someone else. “Amalgamation is an inevitable step. This council has begun the process and I would like to contin­ ue it.” Rob Lawrie, a member of the current council, asked to be returned for another term because of his many years of experience on council having been involved for almost 30 years. In addition to his years on council, Lawrie is also a past reeve. “I have experience and know how to deal with the business of council,” he said. He also pointed the costs associ­ Send Photo greeting Cards The Easiest Way to Send a Personal Holiday Memory Feature your photo on a 4"x8" borderless card. Envelopes included. Choose from 6 unique greetings. Available from 35mm colour negative, slide, print up to 4x6 and all Advanced Photo System formats from negative cassette. Qty Price Early Bird Price BLYTH 20 $12.79 APOTHECARY 40 24.79 Blyth 523-4210 60 31.99 100 39.99 ated with restructuring such as a $155 tax per household for polic­ ing, a matter currently being dis­ cussed by numerous councils. “We have some tough decisions to make, but I will do the best on behalf of the taxpayers.” Newcomer Jeff Howson, said he wants to represent the concerns of Blyth so it does not get lost in the shuffle. “I want to maintain the unique quality of Blyth and commit myself to the betterment of the community. My goal is to preserve Blyth,” he said. “Change is inevitable, but it is not something to be afraid of. It is a new challenge to meet. We can work collectively to find a mutual NOTICE to parents, grandparents and other interested taxpayers The Teachers of this community are hosting a PUBLIC FORUM on Thurs., Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. In the lower hall of the Blyth Memorial Hall. This Forum will be a question and answer session on Bill 160 and how It will adversely affect our education system In the near future. Be informed! Plan to attend. resolution. I want to make each tomorrow a success as we move to the year 2000.” Incumbent Doug Scrimgeour told the gathered residents that the past three years had been very busy. Outlining council successes, he said the hall board has become more user-pay with increased rev­ enues; the efficiency of the landfill site and the expected life span have been improved; the fire department has new training and emergency equipment and the Greenway Pro­ ject is a source of pride for the vil­ lage. He thanked residents for their Continued on page 21 BLYTH MEDICAL CLINIC wnw npir.ivMOW OPRN ______________ DR. JANET ZETTEL DR. DAN ROOYAKKERS Tues. 1 - 5 , Thurs. 1-5, Fri. 9-1 Call: 523-4567 for appointments New patients welcome DON'T MISS IT! THURSDAY, NOV. 6,1997 RLL-YOU-CRN-ERT HRM SUPPER 5-7 p.m. AT BLYTH UNITED CHURCH Adults ~ $9.00 6-12 ~ $4.50 5 & under ~ Free Tickets available at Stitches By MJ, any Steward or at the door