Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-11-01, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1,2000. Blyth people come out to hear candidates A time to speak Blyth Councillor Murray Nesbitt, who is hoping to represent the Ward of Blyth in the new munic­ ipality of North Huron speaks to residents at the all-candidates meeting on Monday night while moderator Doug Scrimgeour and Jeff Howson, also a council candidate listen. Not pictured were Blyth Reeve Mason Bailey who is the third candidate seeking one of the two council spots and Doug Layton and Bruce Machan, candidates for reeve of North Huron. for its industries, its entertainment, recreation and arenas. “It will give the economic development commit­ tee- a good sales pitch to attract growth to North Huron.” Working together he said, North Huron will continue to grow and be a great place to live.” He talked of relationships with neighbouring townships and said the time had come to put the past behind, to be positive and think instead about tomorrow. “I’m sure government has many changes in mind. We must be prepared to face them.” “I want no less than the very best for my grandchild,” he said. His opponent, current reeve Bruce Machan, who has been on council for 18 years in all, 15 as reeve, talked of his political experience through various committees. He is a past war­ den of Huron County and has served on all the county committees but one. He represented South Bruce, Turnberry and Wingham on the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority and said he has found that the best results come by being a team player. The most important issue, he believes is the new complex in Wingham, to see that it is a benefit, not a detriment to the new munici­ pality. He also said that he wants to see the amalgamation proceed as smoothly as possible. Acclaimed school board trustee Charlie Smith of Seaforth was not present for the meeting. However, the council candidates for the other North Huron wards, Ward 1, Wingham and Ward 2, East Wawanosh were invited to introduce themselves to the Blyth ratepayers. Though they will serve on the coun­ cil of North Huron, they will be elected by the ratepayers of their par- By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff It was Blyth’s turn to meet their candidates in the municipal election as one of three all-candidates meet­ ings for the new Twp. of North Huron was held in Memorial Hall on Monday night. Vying for two of the three council spots for Ward 3, Blyth, are current Reeve Mason Bailey and Councillors Jeff Howson and Murray Nesbitt. Chair Doug Scrimgeour introduced Bailey as the first speaker, who thanked Blyth residents for the privi­ lege of serving the past six years as reeve. He talked of the excellent harmony on council and within the village during his terms and declared that maintaining that was his top priority. Bailey also stated that the changes facing the new municipality con­ cerned him, but his biggest worry is the economic survival of small towns and villages as well as farms. “Unless we reverse the trend, and this can only happen with the people you elect, there will be a day when we’re down here,” he said indicating a level about knee height, to the crowd of about 50 people. He challenged those present to consider what their prognosis was for the village. “Will you have a bank? Will you have a school? Will you have gas pumps? Will you have stores on main street where you can buy your daily needs? If re-elected it’s that that I’m serious about and I will look for your direction on how to deal with it.” Howson, a three-year veteran of council, spoke of his efforts on the village’s behalf as a transition board member. “I dedicated my time to ensure that Blyth was not lost in the shuffle.” ratepayers will face obstacles that confront North Huron, Howson stat­ ed. “We will make it a success.” Nesbitt, who also is completing a three-year term on council, was as well a member of the transition board. Part of his work was with the hiring of staff for the new municipal­ ity. “Three years ago I stood here and said I was here to learn. What I have learned is that you don’t always get your own way, but democracy does work.” Saying that he was proud of his attendance record as a village repre­ sentative, Nesbitt noted that he believes he did a good job on the transition board. “I feel I have been effective.” Two Wingham men are vying for the position of North Huron reeve. Doug Layton spoke of the new era being entered and stated that he wanted to be the people’s voice in the new municipality. He promised to serve all three wards to the best of his ability, adding that he would if elected maintain regular office hours at the township hall to be more accessible. He talked of his involvement in business and in community projects such as the Wingham Centennial Pool and Crimestoppers. He worked with others to finance the airport and to keep the train station a part of Wingham’s heritage at no cost to the taxpayers. Layton was fundraising chair of the new complex and has been involved with the police com­ mittee, economic development and the heritage theatre to name a few. “Wingham,” the current councillor noted, “has seen positive growth.” He offered several examples from industry, commercial and residential perspectives. North Huron, he said, would be a good package to market ticular wards. For Wingham, Al Harrison, Archie McGowan and Arnold Taylor are the candidates while Jim Campbell, Judith Gaunt and Murray Scott are vying for the two council seats. Only two questions came from the public following the speeches. George Ives wondered how big North Huron may get. Howson said his personal opinion was that the municipality could expect to see at least another round of restructuring . “I believe it will see us join with Morris, Tumberry and Howick for sure, but it could possibly be larger,” he said. “I think single tier is inevitable, but the longer we can pro­ long it the more say we will have,” he said, adding, “But I do foresee three municipalities in Huron within six or seven years.” Bailey on the other hand said that he would not agree to further amal­ gamation if it wasn’t what the resi­ dents wanted. He told of a municipal representatives meeting where the idea of single-tier had been proposed and of how he had pushed, along with some others, that this be brought back to councils to see if that was what they wanted. “It wasn’t hard to count the hands of those that supported single-tier,” he said. “That was a democratic process and if I’m involved I will want to know what you want and I will insist on public meetings to have people tell us what to do.” Layton, however, backed up Howson’s view that further restruc­ turing would be just a matter of time, “until we’re told how big.” He stressed the importance of starting to work on it now with neighbouring municipalities, but also added the benefits of going bigger. A larger municipality offers more to. attract outside industry or development, he said. Machan noted, “The kicker is, we’ve worked together. Had we not the government would have come in and put in single tier. This gave us a stay of execution. I’m not sure (with our size) that we’re viable as an eco­ nomic endeavour.” Stressing the importance of public input, Machan explained his frustra­ tion at the poor turnout to the Wingham meeting. “We had 17 peo­ ple out at the all-candidates meeting. Three were not related to the candi­ dates. Maybe what we’re doing isn’t important.” Bill Howson asked the candidates for reeve how territorial rights would be handled. Machan said that there would quite likely always be some­ one who perceives they weren’t treated fairly, but believes if council is open and “keeps the facts on the table” it shouldn’t happen. “I’d like to think this is a team effort. If it’s not I’m not sure I want to be here that long.” Layton said that should such a sit­ uation occur he would hope council would be fair and carry on. “I have been to these transition board meet­ ings and they’ve gotten along tremendously. They have done a lot of work, and it’s gone smoothly.” With no further questions residents and candidates enjoyed an informal opportunity to meet and discuss top­ ics of importance. The meeting Wawanosh ward is Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Belgrave arena. for the East Check out our WEBSITE at www.northhuron.on.ca Brussels Residents on November 13 VOTE GREG WILSON for your voice on Huron East Council Bill Siemon for Deputy Mayor Huron East - life long resident of McKillop Township -19 Years Municipal Government Experience - Member of Huron East Transition Committee Stating that Blyth was only sepa­ rated from its neighbours by a few miles, he explained that solutions which might have been positive for another municipality didn’t always benefit Blyth. “As we prepare for this merger it’s important that the unique quality of Blyth is maintained for it to grow and flourish,” said Howson. “I commit myself to the betterment of North Huron.” Howson also talked of change and its challenges, but noted that without change there is no progress. “Change is not something to fear, just another world to conquer,” he said. By working together council and VOTE NOVEMBER 13 JOE SEILI Brussels Councillor for Huron East Complimentary rides to polls available Call 887-6289 Nov. 13 Bill Siemon - Owner/Manager McMaster Siemon Insurance Brokers Inc. - Farm, Municipal Drainage & Construction work experience I would appreciate your support on election day.