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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-11-05, Page 13THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5,1997. PAGE 13. Morris Twp. candidates supply few answers By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff It was a subdued meeting in Bel­ grave on Oct. 30 as Morris Twp. municipal candidates agreed on most issues and admitted they had few answers to the uncertain term ahead. Former Reeve Doug Fraser was chairman for the night. He intro­ duced acclaimed incumbent Reeve Bert Elliott, who delivered his opening remarks. Regarding restructuring, Elliott said he "had been dragging his feet. I can't see there will be any money saved." Elliott said he didn't see how ser­ vices could be maintained by hav­ ing a larger area either. He also expressed his concern about the township landfill site, which, because it is projected as one of the ones in the county with the longest life, has been discussed as a potential place for county waste. Acclaimed Deputy-Reeve Keith Johnston said he had enjoyed his four years on council and the learn­ ing experience that went with them. "It's a lot different when you're on there. I hope to please the ratepay­ ers as I'm on council to look after them. They pay the bills and I think the majority should rule." Johnston noted that there were going to be many big decisions for council to make. He agreed with Elliott that no one has proven amal­ gamation can save money. "The only way I can see to cut costs is to cut services. If people want ser­ vices then people have to pay." However, he added that if gov­ ernment continues to download its services, taxes can't help but increase. Candidate for council incumbent John Duskocy said he had moved to Huron from Waterloo County shortly after the restructuring there. He said he has heard from family members still there that bigger is not better. "Services have been 4-H members make muffins Continued from page 12 awesome. After the taste tests, the meeting was closed with the 4-H motto. On Thursday, Oct. 30, the Cranbrook Cookie Monster Club met for its second meeting. The meeting began with the 4-H pledge, then the unfinished business was taken care of. The club was split into four groups and the baking began. Two groups learned about healthy substitutions in baking and the cost comparisons of homemade muffins versus a prepared mix. The other two groups made blueberry muffins from scratch and from the prepared mix. The four groups switched roles and the two kitchen groups busied themselves by making a cheese garlic loaf and an apricot loaf. While everything was baking, some time was taken to discuss different kinds of cakes and pastries. Soon, the baking was finished and everyone had the chance to taste the loaves and the muffins. The meeting was closed with the 4-H motto. cut." He spoke of the uncertainties that lay ahead regarding policing, school boards and the landfill site. "All these decisions are coming, the outcome is unknown." "If elected I will represent you to the best of my ability and given the opportunity would suggest there be open meetings for the public to express their opinion on these issues." Edna McLellan, though a new­ comer to council, admitted she was no stranger to municipal politics. The wife of former Morris reeve, the late Clem McLellan, she said she had no personal agenda. "I will gain nothing by getting onto coun­ cil. If elected I intend to do my best representing you." Incumbent Kevin Pletch said that while a councillor may not always be able to please everyone, he hoped that in his previous term he had done a good job for the ratepayers and if elected would continue to do so. He also said he was not in favour of amalgamation. "I think it will cost and I feel we need people in here who are saying "No" to gov­ ernment." Pletch said he wants to see the landfill site protected. "Giving it away is not the thing the do." Newcomer Neil Warwick said he "probably has as many questions as most of you." The issues of taxes, amalgamation and its effects, downloading and its costs, seem to be happening with not too many answers, he said. Warwick promised to "carefully consider information and make responsible decisions on behalf of the taxpayers of Morris." Incumbent Melody White shared her opponents' views on amalgama­ tion and the landfill. She said she had enjoyed her time on council and wished her opponents luck in the upcoming election. Trustees Also on hand for the evening PRINTING IS OUR BUSINESS • Colour Printing • Posters • Letterheads • Envelopes • Business Cards WE CAN DO IT ALL! BLYTH PRINTING INC. BLYTH 523-9211 were the two candidates for the newly-aligned Huron Perth District School Board #8. Della Baumbarten of Howick Twp., said "Parents and students are still the best measure of whether a school is providing what the students need. No policy will reflect the needs of a community if the community is not consulted." She believes in the quality of accessible education, Baumgarten said, noting that while Bill 160 is difficult to understand if it passes third reading it will give the Minis­ ter of Education total control over education. She feels it is especially important to keep local input in education. The second candidate Colleen Schenk of Wingham said she takes her role of trustee very seriously. Saying that she would attend as many of the Student Advisory Council meetings as ’‘humanly pos­ sible" to keep in contact with the students, parents and schools in the larger area she would now repre­ sent, she concluded, "I will repre­ sent fairly and justly with your children's best interests in mind." Questions and comments There were few questions forth­ coming following the opening remarks. Beth Ross said that though the province has said the downloading of services is meant to be revenue neutral, they have eliminated block funding and road grants from $400,000 to Morris in 1996 to a rumoured zero dollars next year. "Yet at the same time, roads take taxes," she said stressing the need for roads to be kept open in rural Huron. "Where will the money come from?" Pletch answered that until munic­ ipalities had received further infor­ mation they don't really have any answers. Elliott said, "Harris said he guar­ anteed no one's taxes would increase. We've not seen how it will happen." • Business Forms • Brochures • Flyers • Carbonless Forms • Labels With regards to the school boards, Baumgarten said they were also promised funds with amalga­ mation. "But..." Ross also expressed a concern about the environment and water quality. "Morris may be graced with half of the county's waste and with large scale farm operations and nutrient management plans. What are candidates doing policy­ wise?" Duskocy said that Morris has a plan in place regarding manure storage, with guidelines to protect neighbouring landowners and the HULLETT TOWNSHIP VOTE John A. Van Beers For Council * Knows the issues and concerns * Believes in consultation rather than confrontation * Likes the team approach In Grey Township Please Vote November 10 HULLETT TOWNSHIP Vote for someone who • Believes in teamwork • Is approachable & open minded • Is fair & responsible • Committed to the job VOTE ROBERT SZUSZ FOR REEVE Your support is appreciated Shop & Save It's time to start feeding your birds Now in-stock a good selection of: • mixed feeds • peanuts • niger seed • Finch mix • Budgie mix • Cockatiel Mix • Sunflower Seeds LONDESBORO SEED PLANT Custom Seed Cleaning Londesboro Bob Szusz 523-4399 Store Hours: Mon. to Sat. 8:30 to Noon environment. The landfill site has test holes around the perimeter which are checked quarterly for leaching, he said, adding that to date there has not been a problem. Johnston said he wasn't necessar­ ily against the county coming up with a deal for the site. "When we were first approached I thought no, but then I began to wonder if this might be a place to make money. My feeling now is t9 talk to the county and see what we can do. We never said anyone could go in there yet, I'm just talking in stages."