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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1998-05-13, Page 1itizen The North Huron Vol. 14 No. 19 Wednesday, May 13, 1998 700 + 50 GST 750 Tea time In an inspiring scene from Jesus Christ Superstar Jay Sanders of East Wawanosh as Christ is nailed to a cross then raised towards the audience as a radiant light shines down. Roman soldiers were, from left, Dylan Moore and Mike McDonald. The performance was part of the F.E. Madill Drama Guild's Broadway Revue, held at the school on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. The ambitious program showcased highlights from a number of musicals including, Cats, Hair, Les Mis, West Side Story and Grease and featured some impressive young talent. Many want more info from budget News See page 7 Entertainment Highlights of Madill Drama Guild's `Broadway Revue' See page 20 Feature Playwright shares inspiring story See page 23 Dunbar urges county to look only at 2-tier By Janice Becker Citizen staff Though the provincial govern- ment announced increased spend- ing in several areas in last week's budget, local organizations are waiting for the facts. With $150 designated for each elementary school student for the purchase of textbooks and learning materials, Avon Maitland District School Board Superintendent of Corporate Operations and Technol- ogy Information Janet Baird-Jack- son is unsure if this is new money are just a re-announcement of funds previously granted to the boards. "We need to see the details in print," she said, with the hope that they would come later this week. For the agricultural sector, the provincial Conservatives said there will be an additional $340 million in operating expenses allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Dan Carlow, field services man- ager for the Clinton and Stratford offices of OMAFRA said those monies will go to rural job strate- gies. "We anticipate success in gather- ing funds. We have proposals in all stages of development which we hope will be underway through the summer and fall. We are excited about the scope and range of the initiatives and foresee them doing a lot of good once they are up and running. We hope there will be a positive economic spin-off for the county." Though it was announced that $300 million more would be spent on health care over previous levels, Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Continued on page 7 By Janice Becker Citizen staff With the strategic consultation meetings for restructuring just underway, a recommendation to stop the process in mid-stream was brought before Huron County councillors, May 7. Grey Twp. Reeve Robin Dunbar re-affirmed his stance that an overwhelming number of municipalities want to remain with a two-tier system of governance and believes the county is "spending half the year spinning their wheels" looking for residents' preferred direction for restructuring. Noting the support for the two- tiered system after county representatives discussed the matter with their respective councils, Dunbar said there was no point wasting time studying a one-tiered system. "Restructuring is the most important issue we have to deal with," he said. "Consultations are not schedule to finish until Junc 9 and we have set a January, 1999 deadline for coming up with a direction.' Dunbar put forward the motion that the two-tier system be the only option studied. Blyth Reeve Mason Bailey supported Dunbar's motion, saying talks he has heard from other districts which have amalgamated fortify his belief not to go the same route. "The small municipalities in Kent County are very unhappy, though Chatham is not. Though the commissioner involved said $12 million could be saved, the municipality hopes to see $7.2 million." "We cannot dwell on the money," said Bailey. "There is not a lot of savings to come out of it. We should concentrate on serving the people. They appreciate having access to their government." Though Dunbar and Bailey stated a strong case against continuing with the idea of studying both one and two-tiers, several councillors spoke just as passionately for providing ratepayers with an option, including the difference in cost between the two systems. Bayfield Reeve Doug Grant said, "The purpose of amalgamation is to save money and there is no question that is what the constituents want." "They are interested in taxes and the provision of services. If we don't explore both options how can the constituents accept that we are looking out for their wishes and best interests." Clinton Reeve Carol Mitchell said that although she supports two-tier, costing needs to be done to determine if some services can go one-tier while making two-tier a viable option. "We need all options on the table to justify our decision." Turnberry Reeve Brain McBurney, Howick Reeve Norm Fairies and Warden Jack Coleman agreed that the consultation meetings should continue as they were to allow every municipality the opportunity to speak. "It is not fair to throw one (option) out now," said McBumey. "We have to do right for the ratepayers." Goderich Reeve John Doherty backed Dunbar's recommendations, saying the municipalities want to keep their identity and residents need the accessibility. He also raised concerns about job losses. Dunbar rebutted those supporting the continuation of the consultations saying, "Restructuring is about more than money. It is about democracy." "The costs associated with single- tier are dependent on who asks the questions." "We have already wasted six months talking when we know most municipalities want two-tier. We can still certainly restructure services." Tuckersmith Reeve Bill Camochan agreed with Dunbar that most want two-tier, but said the end of consultation is only a month away. West Wawanosh Reeve Doug Miller added that economics have to be part of the process. The taxpayers want services at a reasonable price. We have to look at this with an open mind." Several councillors noted that without a study of both options, there would be no comparison so residents could understand council's choice, Reeve Harvey Ratz of Stephen Twp. said the talks should go back to the local level and let the decisions be made from the bottom up. After input from a majority of councillors a recorded vote was held with only seven councillors, representing 19 of 63 votes, supporting the motion to end consultation and proceeding with costing of two-tier. Those voicing support were Dunbar, Bailey, Exeter Reeve Roy Triebner, Doherty, Hullett Reeve Bob Szusz, McKillop Reeve Ron Murray and Hay Reeve Jim Love. Holiday hours The Brussels office of The Cit- izen.will be closed on Monday for the Victoria Day holiday weekend. Anyone wishing to submit advertising or editorial copy, however, may do so by sliding it through the door slot before noon on Monday. The Blyth office will remain open with no change to deadline. `No point wasting time studying Mier'