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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1999-07-07, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 1999. Letters to the editor Writer explains position on 1-tier preference THE EDITOR, This letter is offered to correct certain misinformation and redress a number of errors presented in a very emotional letter published in some of the local newspapers last week on the topic of single-tier government. The group “Concerned Citizens for the Promotion & Implementation of a Single-Tier Government in Huron” is a fast growing, public, representative and multi-partisan group of about 50 members from across the county, who have recently come together for several reasons. First, we are concerned about the division being created among municipalities and citizen groups within communities as the ‘two- tier’ system of amalgamation is being explored. Second, we believe that restructuring studies must also include a thoughtful, rather than emotional, analysis of the single­ tier option - which many of us believe will protect the traditions in our local community groups, will avoid pitting one group against another, will ensure representative and democratic representation across the county, and, above all, will provide the simplest and most cost-efficient municipal Writer slams county council THE EDITOR. Knock knock...who's there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you sick of the manner in which county council continues to treat the Huron Adult Day Centre? It almost seems as though the County is attempting to push the HADC out of the building. Are they? I’m confused. Wasn’t this the building that was spared demolition just for the specific purpose of allowing the HADC to occupy? Isn’t this the building the County offered to the HADC for $1? Hasn’t the HADC renovated their salvaged portion of the old Huronview just to accommodate the needs of the individuals who require their services? Weren’t provincial funds used to renovate the inside of this facility? Something smells here and I don’t think it is my feet. Thanks for blooming, Blyth THE EDITOR, On behalf of the Communities in Bloom committee, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers, horticultural society and the village employees for their hard work in getting the village ready for the judging competition on July 23. Our planters on the main street look great. The silver bows are a nice addition commemorating the Blyth Festival’s 25 years of Great Canadian Theatre. We have the Communities in Bloom’s flag flying at the north end of the village and soon a flag will be flying at the south end. Wednesday, July 21 has been set aside as “Hummer Days”. Rev up your lawn mowers, grease your hedge trimmers, edge your sidewalks, the judges are coming on Friday, July 23. They will enjoy the quaint atmosphere of the Station House Bed and Breakfast while visiting us. concerned citizens group included much welcome debate, both about the single-tier approach and the manner of proceeding with our quest. It is clear to us that there is widespread support for further study of the ‘single tier’ option. At a recent meeting hosted by Colborne Twp. - one good example of a divided community because of two-tier restructuring talks - a large majority of those in attendance indicated a desire to conduct further study of the single­ tier option. In any restructuring effort, the citizens of Huron deserve, and have a right to expect, a full and comprehensive study of all options for their local government. Taxpayers who are not elected officials, nor employees of a municipality have a right to be heard now that a deadline has been imposed by Huron County Council. The present round of visits to local councils is to ensure that all locally elected representatives, as well as county delegates are aware of our request. We are not circulating a study; we are asking that one be completed. Local government restructuring will have a profound impact on all of us. It is the most difficult The Huron Adult Day Centre has been operational since 1977. They provide a valuable service to the elderly, and according to the article that appeared in The Clinton News Record on June 23, 1999, they have expanded their service to include Grand Bend and Exeter. It was disclosed in a letter to the editor dated Aug. 23, 1995, in The Clinton News Record, by Robert L. Williams, that space was initially offered to the HADC “free of charge”. So when did money become an issue and how in the world did a fee of $65,000.00 evolve? Perhaps the Huron Adult Day Centre should have had the foresight to get a signed assurance that their tenancy would remain ‘free’. Unfortunately, an ‘act of faith’ can change when new agenda’s take precedence. The disputes between the Huron Adult Day Centre and county Grant Sparling will be escorting the judges on one of his unique antique fire trucks in the morning. After lunch at the Lion’s Park, they will be picked up by Graham Jackson and John Elliott which will be sporting Barney and Brandy (a team of Norwegian Fjord horses) and carriage to give them the grand tour along the Greenway Trail and the balance of the village. We have one other competitor in Ontario Or maybe you couldn't speak clearly. Or your vision was blurred. That's what it's like to live with multiple sclerosis. But with your help, we can connect with a cure. 1-800-268-7582 Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada government. Yes, it will reduce the number of elected officials dramatically, and it will minimize the number of municipal administrators and staff. But our concerns about higher property tax bills can only be addressed by creating maximum efficiencies in the cost of local government. We feel that we have to explore all options and decide on the one that saves the most money, while maintaining our services, style, and standard of living. There will be no impact - as suggested in last week’s letter - on schools and hospitals which can hardly be considered as part of municipal government. Co-ordinated economic development for job growth across Huron County will be enhanced with a single-tier government. Recently, our group asked to be heard as a public delegation at the Huron County Council on July 8. The Administration, Finance & Personnel Committee for the county requested that we make a special presentation to that group at a public committee meeting so they might be better prepared for our July appearance. The last meeting of the council are like a revolving door. It has been swinging around for at least five years but no one bothers to stop it. I think HADC should re­ direct the costs absorbed by the province for their renovations and send the bill to county council if they continue to persist with their political volleyball. I also think that county council should honour the commitment of their predecessors and allow this service to remain in the building free of charge. As far as it being the fault of the Ministry of Health ... sure ... let’s remember who initially offered who space in a county structure. Take the price tag off. I’m certain the patrons who use this service have paid enough taxes in their lifetime to warrant a service that provides care in a province of deteriorating health care. Debra Scherle. namely the Village of Dorset which has 573 population. This is made up of an amalgamated area of Twps. of Sherborne, McClintock, Livingstone, Lawrence and Nightingale. \Ve have a great Village, so let’s give it our BEST! Sincerely, Bev Elliott Chair of the Blyth Blossoms in ’99 Committee. decision our elected officials will ever be required to make. Whatever solution is finally decided must address concerns about bureaucracy, local input, costs, and access to services. Solutions must not divide our communities - in fact, they should preserve existing community tradition. As Huron County reaches its decision point in September 1999, for municipal restructuring, it must look long and hard at the governance conventions that have been established in other jurisdictions - including places like Brant County - where considerable Volunteers upset by county decision THE EDITOR, We, the volunteers and clients of the Huron Adult Day Centre, are strongly opposed to the ridiculous increase in rent that the Day Centre is facing from the County of Huron. We believe that adult residents of Huron County who choose to live independently in the community and who require assistance to do so, can benefit from a range of physical, social, and emotional support services. The Huron Adult Day Centre is a non-profit organization which provides a warm and caring environment for the frail elderly, those with physical challenges, and persons with Alzheimer's Disease. The Huron Adult Day Centre has been operating for over- 22 years, Writer says stand up for anthem THE EDITOR, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of Blyth Festival’s 25th season June 25, having missed only one over the years. O Canada is not sung at many functions any more but it always has been at this special event. In an audience of almost 500 people, it has always been disappointing to Huron Business Centre EXTENDED HOURS In order to meet the needs of our clients, the Huron Business Centre in Seaforth has extended its hours until 8 p.m. on Wednesday nights. The Huron Business Centre is a cooperative venture between several community based organizations sharing a common mandate ‘to help small business succeed!’ We are also available to answer your questions about all facets of business management including sales and marketing, human resources, inventory management and exporting. Further, we provide Internet access for research, and a library filled with books, videos, statistics, pamphlets and information on a wealth of government services and programs. All Huron County residents are welcome to utilize the services offered by this centre. So, come see us whenever it is most convenient for you. Our regular hours are now 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays...and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about our services, contact us at (519) 527-0305 or fax us at (519) 527-2240. We can also be reached at http://www.huronbdc.on.ca. Come visit us at 138 Main Street South, Seaforth success has been achieved. Our elected officials are accountable to all of their ratepayers. In the study of local government restructuring, they have an obligation to study all options in depth. The single-tier alternative must have the same consideration as the two-tier choices presently being pursued. There is no comprehensive and accurate study of this option at this time. It should be completed. It requires the support of county council to do so. It is precisely that support we are seeking. Ken Campbell. helping our seniors maintain their independence in the community instead of being placed in nursing homes and becoming a drain to the system. Without adult day programs like ours, the lives of many people would be drastically affected. We provide hope for individuals to have the quality of life they deserve! The quadrupled rent increase is definitely no way to treat our Huron County seniors. We invite the public to come to the day centre to see what a valuable service we provide. Together, we can squash the injustice of bureaucratic bullying. Please help us save our Day Centre! Signed by 55 concerned individuals. see so few standing at attention during the playing and/or singing of our national anthem. I started my education in a one- room school. It was always instilled in us to stand at attention while we sang our national anthem. Are the children in our elementary schools taught this? Lois van Vliet Blvth.