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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1999-09-08, Page 4PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1999. C itizenTheNorthHuron Aocna 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 Member Ontario Preen Council E-mail norhuron@scsinternet.com The Citizen is published 50 times a year 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 $100/year in other foreign coun­ tries. 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 newsscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright. Publications Mail Registration No. 09244 Canadian Publication Mail Agreement No. 1374990 Local government should be more accountable - not less E ditorial i ....... Photo by Joan Caldwell Canada’s brand of economy may not be perfect, but it still stands near the top. It doesn’t remain there on its own; it requires constant vigilance. Ironically, the greatest threat to democracy often comes from the politi­ cians, who from time to time, entertain proposals to consider changes which would result in less accountable, more secretive gov­ ernment. As newspapers whose role it is to convey such information to the public, we often face strug­ gles in our attempts to access such information. Newspapers are also one of the most effective forums for the expression of public opinion. Never has there been a public outcry demanding less open, more secretive, gov­ ernment. Yet, less open, local government is what Ontarians will receive if the province proceeds with proposed changes to the Ontario Municipal Act. The current act allows councils and municipal bodies to go in-camera, or behind closed doors, to make decisions related to specific issues that are best discussed in private - the security of property; personal/person- nel matters; acquisition of land, labour relations, litigation, and legal mat­ ters of solicitor-client privilege. Before going in-camera, the municipali­ ty or local board must state that they are going in-camera and disclose the general nature of the matter to be considered. A number of municipalities have suggested the current list is too restrictive. As a result the proposed new Municipal Act would allow municipalities to write their own bylaw spelling out any other reasons for them to go behind closed doors to make decisions that affect their com­ munities. This could create a wide variance of in-camera rules across Ontario and be subject to constant changes at the whim of local councils. Community newspapers believe this would only further erode the pub­ lic's confidence in the democratic system. We need greater accountability from our government, not a free reign to hold secret meetings. We need our elected representatives to stand in front of their constituents and speak loud and clear on the issues that deal with the health and well-being of our communities. Rather :han changes to make a more secretive government, we need to institute penalties for those who contravene or stretch the current restric­ tions too far. Furthermore, clear and specific definitions of what consti­ tutes those restrictions need to be spelled out. The current list is far too open to abuse. We also believe the Act should contain penalties for offending councils. Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley was concerned enough about this proposed legislation that he wrote then-Minister Al Leach saying this amendment was “a step backwards in making local government open and account­ able”. He suggested the minister review the State of Michigan’s act which holds members of councils, boards and commissions personally responsible and subject to fines for violations of the act. This newspaper is a member of the Ontario Community Newspapers Association which represents 265 newspapers. The association, on our behalf of its member newspapers, has raised these concerns with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and its new minister Steve Gilchrist. To his credit the new minister has been listening to the concerns and has indicated his willingness to listen. It’s not too late ... If this concerns you and we believe it should, please contact MPP Helen Johns as well as your council to ask them to speak out against these changes. Looking Back Through the Years From the files of the Blyth Standard, Brussels Post and North Huron Citizen Recognize the good youth Each year, the six - 18-year-old recipients of the Ontario Junior Citizen award remind us of what a wonderful resource communities throughout Ontario have in their youth. Young people from all corners of Ontario are recognized for community service, heroic acts, making contributions while living with limitations or for being 'good kids’ helping to make life better for others. The theme for the awards program is 'Rising To The Challenge’ - let’s all rise to the challenge by nominating someone we know for this presti­ gious award. Nominations will be accepted until Oct. 31. Forms and further infor­ mation about the Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year program can be obtained from this newspaper. Sept. 5, 1979 Matthew and Tim King entered a huge marrow squash in the Belgrave fair and won first prize. The old saw mill was scheduled to be in operation throughout the Thresher’s Reunion. There was also to be a parade and antique steam machines on display for the annual event. A feature looked back to the days when Blyth had a fall fair. For example, in September 1948, the fair was billed as being bigger than ever with several new features in store. These included; a square dance competition, an old-time tid­ dler’s contest, an aeronautics dis­ play and a midway for the chil­ dren. A straw mow exploded causing a fire which destroyed a bam in Hullett Twp.. Approximately 140 pigs were in the bam. Firemen and neighbours saved 90 of the 100 tons of grain stored. Londesboro United Church got a new roof. Various groups donated to the cause. Wingham OPP officers conduct­ ed 54 investigations over the week. There were 10 car accidents which caused an estimated $24,130 in property damage, one fatality and 18 injured. Belgrave Kinsmen donated $500 to the Blyth and Belgrave Hockey School. The last show of the Blyth Festival season turned out to be the biggest hit. The Death of the Donnelly's played in the final two weeks. Total attendance for the season to that point was 15,000, 3,000 above the previous year. Sept. 6, 1989 Patricia Albers, Margaret Cronyn, Pat Cowman, Tracey Fischer, Sandra Marks, Heather McGavin and Lori Wijlie were all competing for the title of Queen of the Fair. The 28th annual living museum, the Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion was about to begin. A Clinton resident, who was a former native of the Auburn area was $100,000 richer after winning a Wintario draw. The lucky winner was Louise McGregor. Area schools welcomed new faces to their teaching staffs. In Blyth, Dorothy Morgan and Michele Hencher joined to teach there for the first time, while Allan Sygrove took over as principal. Wayne Tessier replaced Grey’s principal. In addition, Suzanne Rose and James Binns joined the staff as well. Don Tremier became the new principal at Walton and Nicolette Spenser was hired there as well. At East Wawanosh School, Sandra Thompson and Marie Black were the newest staff additions. New teachers at Brussels Public school were Joan E. Clark, Cathy Elliott, Annette Lindsay and Dale Wanless. Robin Williams in Dead Poet’s Society was playing at Goderich’s Park Theatre. Belgrave Co-op marked its 75th anniversary. The Huron County Board of Education voted on a recommenda­ tion to establish the Hazel Matheson history Award at Brussels Public School. Mrs. Matheson, a long-time resident of the village was the first kinder­ garten teacher at the school when the class was formed in January, 1961. Playwright Robert Clinton signed autographed copies of his new book Mail Order Bride at the Blyth Book Store. The new Ball’s Bridge was ready for its official opening. The First Chiropractic Care Centre opened in Brussels. Sept. 7, 1994 Blyth businesses planned a party to show off the new decorative lights downtown. Kim Baan was the new dairy educator for the county. Many schools saw new faces in the staff. Brenda Vivian came to teach at Walton. Helen Crocker became vice-principal at the same school. Kathy Young became a teacher assistant at Eash Wawanosh, where the custodial staff also added Fay Weberas. Morag Watt arrived at Blyth PS as the new secretary. At Grey Central, Frank Braun and Michael Park came to teach. For the first time ever, barrel rac­ ers competed in the Brussels area at CJS Arena. Christine Eskrett of Brussels earned a sixth place finish in the stick barrel race, while Caroline Eskrett placed ninth in the competition. Triplet calves were born recently at the farm of Clarence and Pat Poortinga. Playing at the Park Theatre were The Little Rascals and John Grisham’s The Client. The Bulls executive planned a fundraiser, a community events cal­ ender. Over 60 young men turned up for the training camp. Coach Scott Pettigrew said the biggest need was to fill the two goaltending positions. A fare box from a 1920 streetcar was acquired by Bev Brown to be on display in the transportation bus to the Seaforth Agricultural Society’ fundraising breakfast from CHuMS (Central Huron Mobility Service.