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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-11-01, Page 13THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2000. PAGE 13. Grey residents meet their candidates Taking it seriously As candidates for deputy-reeve of Huron East spoke to ratepayers of Grey Twp. in Ethel last Wednesday night, candidates for council, from left, current deputy-reeve of Grey Alvin McLellan, Dale Newman, and current councillor Graeme MacDonald, as well as mayoral can­ didate and present reeve of Grey Robin Dunbar listened intently. By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff It may have been foggy outside but one thing was clear at the Grey Ward all-candidates meeting in Ethel on Wednesday night - residents wanted information. Following Chair Doug Sholdice’s introduction of the candidates and their speeches, the floor was opened for questions. Though they were slow to start, once begun several key points were raised. Having promised that he would be accessible and accountable, candi­ date for school board trustee Jim Floyd was questioned by Rita Rice Bowers on where he lived. A resident of McKillop, Floyd said he had decided to run for this area because of his concern over the Walton school closure and how it affected people. “But you do not reside in the area you would be representing, correct?” asked Bowers. “That’s right,” said Floyd. John Saxon wondered how if amalgamation is to save money the transition committee approved the spending of $300,000 to renovate the Seaforth Town Hall, particularly if as some predict there will be further amalgamation when this three-year term of council ends. Grey Reeve Robin Dunbar, who serves on the committee and is seek­ ing the position of Huron East mayor said that as he is willing to lead he is also willing to take responsibility for decisions he makes while leading. He stated that at the Brussels meet­ ing it was erroneously reported there would be a decimation of service. “Service will be maintained,” he said. During his opening remarks Deputy-Reeve Alvin McLellan, who is seeking a spot on the council stat­ ed his desire that this be true. “Grey has always had a good road budget and it’s my hope that this won’t change.” With regard to the choice of the town hall, Dunbar said as the largest urban area and with its central loca­ tion Seaforth seemed the logical choice. “I didn’t know how bad the condition of the town hall was at the time, however, and of course as usual it went over budget. That is the bot­ tom line. We decided to do the work and it exceeded the budget.” Dunbar also addressed concern for staff, stating that there have been no jobs lost. The deputy clerk-treasurer at Grey, Shelly Price has taken a full- time position with Central Huron, he Check out our WEBSITE at www.northhuron.on.ca said. “We are basically going down there with our road staff and Brad (Knight, Grey’s clerk-treasurer).” With regards to the fire board, there will be no changes in fire areas at this time as grant money from the province didn’t come through for a new tanker, said Dunbar. All this said, Dunbar noted, “there are going to be savings.” His opponent Seaforth Reeve Lin Steffler said the original group of Seaforth, Tuckersmith and McKillop had agreed that the municipal office should be Seaforth. “And I believe when Grey and Brussels joined it was Robin who mentioned it as a logical choice.” If there has been an error in the costs, she said it quite likely belongs with the architect. As for amalgamation in the future, Steffler said, “We can’t crystal ball when the province will make deci­ sions.” Saxon had also wondered why the Walton Public School, now coming up for auction hadn’t been consid­ ered as an office. Steffler explained that the decisions had all been made before the school building became available. “The work was in progress.” Asked where the money from the sale of Walton PS will go, incumbent trustee Colleen Schenk, who hopes Xo be returned, said that it will go into the classroom. “We have been told by the province that our administra­ tion budget is too low, but that’s the way we prefer to keep it. Rather than have more superintendents we prefer the money go back into class­ rooms.” Bob Bateman expressed concern for the future of the Ethel Hall. “Will there be support?” he asked. McKillop reeve and candidate for deputy-reeve,Bill Siemon, explained that recreation facilities are being catalogued and any that have been supported will get the same level of NOTICE TO THE ELECTORS MUNICIPALITY OF MORRIS-TURNBERRY On October 27, 2000 Voter Identification Notice Cards were mailed to all electors listed in the 2000 Voter's List for the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry (currently Morris Township and Turnberry Township) If you are an eligible elector and have not received a VIN Card, your name is not listed in the Voter's List. Please contact one of the following municipal offices to have your name added to the list. Township of Morris 519-887-6137 Township of Turnberry 519-357-2991 Nancy Michie CMO Returning Officer for the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry support in the new municipality. Tuckermsith reeve Bob Broadfoot, one of his challengers (the other is Tuckersmith councillor Bernie MacLellan) said that he hopes these agreements continued. He did, note, however, that the Seaforth arena board attempts to make it a break­ even facility with the exception of capital expenditures. Grey Deputy-Reeve Alvin Mc­ Lellan, who is running for councillor, said that as a community centre it should be supported by the commu­ nity. However, Grey council always came forward if if there was a short­ fall in some area. “I think you can count on us being there for you.” Nutrient management was also discussed. Saxon wondered with the new region whether the municipality would have more control or if it would be up to the province. Steffler said that while she didn’t have all the ms and outs on the topic, the position of the municipality enforcing its own bylaws is getting stronger, but they are still waiting on provincial rules. “I won’t hold my breath waiting for the provincial government; there are some shade of blue I don’t look good in; but I’m willing to work at (the issue). We have a responsibility to our area and future generations. If it requires a moratorium, then we’ll have a mora­ torium.” Joe Semple expressed frustration regarding manure spills on the road and how they could be dealt with. Council candidate Dale Newman said that now it is not just farmers hauling manure but contractors. “Can we look into regulations to control how they handled it, now that it’s not just the farmer who may take better care.” Councillor Graeme MacDonald, seeking one of the two council spots, agreed that while the Grey Twp. bylaw offers some protection it did­ n’t really answer the question. “Manure on the road is a different matter.” Siemon noted that until the gov­ ernment lays down some rules the problem will be there. “Unless the province gets serious, I don’t think you're going to see control.” The ambulance service decision by county council again prompted debate, after Rachel Newman asked the logic behind moving them from their current stations. “I stand by the report,” said Dunbar. “When people read it they see that it is sound. Like all change there is concern and worry,” he said adding that change was necessary because of poor response times and “the expensive system we’ve inherit­ ed.” The Ministry, he said, has approved the county proposal. Steffler, however, argued that while the system might have been good if done at ground zero, there are reductions in vehicles and staffing Re-Elect EDNA McLELLAN COUNCILLOR for Ward M New Municipality of Morris-Turnberry Your support on November 13th would be appreciated. NOTICE OF VOTE MUNICIPALITY OF MORRIS-TURNBERRY Whereas more candidates have been nominated to each of the following offices than the number required to fill such offices. Noiice is hereby given that polls will be held on the dates and at the times and places stated in this notice for the purpose of electing the holders of such offices. OFFICES FOR WHICH POLLS TO BE HELD: Mayor - 1 to be elected Councillor - 6 to be elected - 3 in Ward M (currently Morris Township) - 3 in Ward T (currently Tjrnberry ’township) Trustee for the English Public District School Board -1 to be elected Advance Polls: Date - Saturday, November 4, 2000 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Revisions to the Voter's List: Additions or deletions to the Voter's List may be made until the close of poll on November 13, 2000 at 8 p.m. and at the Morris and Turnberry Township Municipal Offices, during normal office hours. Proxy Applications: Certificates to vote by proxy may be issued during normal office hours, up to 5 pm on Monday, November 13, 2000. at the Morris Township and the Tumberry Township Clerk's Offices. The Morris Township and Turnberry Township Clerk's Offices will be open on Saturday, November 4th, from 12 noon until 5 pm. for the purpose of issuing certificates to vote by proxy. Given under my hand this 20th day of October, 2000. Nancy Michie, Returning Officer Municipality of Morris-Turnberry Locations: Morris Township Municipal Office Regular Polls: Bluevale Hall Date -Monday, November 13, 2000 Time -10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (except the Nursing and Retirement Homes - with reduced voting hours) Locations: Ward M: (currently Morris Township) Polls:Location: 1.Morris Township Municipal Office 41342 Morris Road 2.Morris Township Municipal Office 41342 Morris Road 3.Belgrave Wl Hall 20 Brandon Street 4.Bluevale Hall 32 Clyde Street 5.Huronlea Home for the Aged (reduced hours) 4 pm to 8 pm 820 Turnberry Street Ward T: (currently Turnberry Township) Polls:Locations: 1.John Bateson's Shed 1 Helena Street 2.Bluevale Hall 32 Clyde Street 3.Bluevale Hall 32 Clyde Street 4.Turnberry Work's Garage 65 North Street East 5.Braemar Nursing Home (reduced hours) 10 am to 2 pm 719 Josephine Street North which wasn’t to happen. She spoke of a report in a neighbouring news­ paper that talked of a reduction of two ambulances for Clinton, Seaforth. “That’s not what the coun­ ty voted on,” she said. “The county said there would be no reductions so quit trying to play games,” Dunbar countered. Though she had expressed concern for Seaforth and Clinton, Steffler admitted that she didn’t see any change in service for Grey. Brenda Perrie wondered about the Listowel hospital and whether the ambulance would come from there. Steffler responded, “I don’t think they run a taxi service,” adding that people are taken to the closest facili­ ty- in closing, Sholdice gave credit to those who had taken the time to run and to those who came to hear the candidates. “I think is is healthy for our com­ munity to have an election for all positions in our area.”