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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1995-05-03, Page 3News and Views County opposes gun law By David Scott Lakeshore Advance Huron County Council offi- cially took a stance against the proposed federal legislation on gun control at its April 27 meeting. Councilor Bob Hallam of West Wawanosh presented a signed petition to county council with signatures of Huron County residents opposed to Alan Rock's bill on firearm registration. "We, the undersigned wish to propose that the County of Huron send a letter to the Minister of Justice stating that as a government body we are opposed to further legislation in regard to gun control. We feel that more emphasis shblild be placed on crime control and tougher sentences for law -breakers rather than asking law-abiding citizens of this county to be burdened with the cost of implementing this bill which will have no effect on the criminal ele- ment," read Hallam to county council. He made a motion to support the petition, which was seconded by Donald Schultz of East Wawanosh. Councilor Bill Clifford of Goderich was opposed to the petition. I don't believe that this is a matter that should be addressed by this particular council. We all have our own opinions. And I think the Ashfield continued from front page ing. "You have the opportunity to correct this situation today," Simpson told council. He said the Planning and Development Committee's response of hav- ing a representative from Ashfield sit on the committee as a non-voting member was unsatisfactory for two reasons. "Firstly, it leaves Ashfield Township residents without ' the basic democratic'privilege of a vote. Secondly, once this proposal had been reviewed by Mr. Murphy, the county solicitor, he made it very clear in a letter to the county clerk - administrator that under the Planning Act county council- lors have no jurisdiction to appoint a non-member of county council to this commit- tee. Where does that leave Ashfield Township?" Simpson said he isn't asking for a voting member so that person can vote 'no' on every issue involving this site. "The citizens of Ashfield have many concerns about the process and the way it is being handled. We intend to make certain these concerns are dealt with and the neighbours of the landfill site and sur- rounding landowners are treated in a fair and up -front 'manner. We realize Ashfield Township was part of the pro- cess from the beginning to find and develop a county- wide landfill site. To try to stop the process just because one remaining qualifying site is in our back yard would be irresponsible," said Simpson. Despite a letter requesting a postponement of drilling by the CCAT (Concerned Citizens of Ashfield Township), test drilling began at the Ashfield site last Monday. Two 50 -foot bore holes were completed at the time of Thursday's County Council meeting. Seven holes in total will be drilled; three to the bedrock and four 50 -foot holes. A few councillors were con- cerned that perhaps they should wait for the results of the drilling tests before any decision is made on a voting member for Ashfield. "is this voting member on a committee worth changing a procedural by-law?," asked Councilor Pat Down of Usborne Township, a member of the Planning and Development Committee. There was also the concern a precedent might be set that would open the door for all special interest groups if the procedural by-law is changed for Ashfield. County councillors didn't see the necessity to set up a sepa- rate committee if a representa- tive from Ashfield was given voting privileges on the Planning and Development Committee. Member of Parliament (Paul Steckle), it was part of his job to express the concerns as he read them. I think we're step- ping into deep water here. We'd be better not to polarize this again," said Clifford. What followed were com- ments of support for the peti- tion. Jack Coleman of Stanley Township voiced his support for the letter, as did Mason Bailey of Blyth. "I think in view of the fact that our Member of Parliament went well out his way, risking his career to represent us as well as he did, the least we could do is support him in his endeavors," said Bailey. In clarification Warden Bruce Machan replied, "I'm not sure that we're talking about the same thing. It's one thing to support our MP, it's another thing to support this gun control law." The petition and motion from Councilor Hallam were read again. Councilor Pat Down of Usborne Township offered an alternative to the petition. "I think the legislation (new federal gun control) is past first and second reading. It's up for changes. If we want changes, that's what we should be sending - some constructive criticism," said Down. She pointed out the urban differ- ence of opinion regarding gun control. "The majority of the popula- tion of Canada live in urban centres and they feel threat- ened. We have to show some kind of constructive way to get around this. Just saying this is bad is not going to do anything,,' said Down. Councilor Hallam spoke to his motion prior to a vote. "I realize the urban and the rural might have different con- flicting views on this proposal. But in the rural (areas) we have rabid animals we have to destroy and we need it (guns) for our protection, for pest control. Hunters, they're using their guns responsibly. I think it's time the government acts responsibility and go after the criminal elements that misuse guns. This (new federal) legis- lation will encourage smug- gling of illegal weapons because the criminal element will make sure they have a so- called 'clean gun' if they are going on a critne," said Hallam. In a show of hands there was a considerable number of votes both for and against the petition but the motion was passed without a recorded vote. THE HURON EXPOSITOR, May 3, 1995-3 TEM CUM?n1.J 3 PHOTO CREATURES OF THE EARTH - Mike Bieber, a fourteen - year -old student at Seaforth Public School, found this snake in the field as he and his classmates were planting trees at Hullett Conservation Area. Hullett Township NOTICE Rentors or Ratepayers are requested by the Hullett Township Council, not to dump or throw stones or other waste material on the Township roadsides, in order to avoid damage to the Township mowers during grass cutting operations. If any stones or other waste material are found, the owner will be contacted to remove or it will be done at the owner's expense. Jim Johnston, CAS (Intermediate) Road Supt. Township of Hullett Londesborough PSST... 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