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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2004-05-26, Page 5News Four Huron -Brice candidates off and running after election called By Jennifer Hubbard Goderich Signal Star Staff And they're off! • Local federal election candidates have jump started their campaigns following a Sunday election call by Prime Minister Paul Martin that will send voters across Canada to the polls on June 28. After four weeks of 'door -knocking,' Conservative candidate Barb Fisher, of Kincardine, said she's glad to "officially start her campaign. "We've been out there. Our team is organized and we're ready to roll," Fisher said from her Goderich campaign office. "People are looking at the national party as a party and I've heard some grave concerns with accountability in the past. People are looking for accountability and I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to stand up for the people of Huron and Bruce at the federal level." New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Grant Robertson, a Paisley -area farmer, has also been busy preparing for the anticipated spring election and is ready to .kick his campaign into gear. "We've been out working hard and talking with people about Jack Layton and today's NDP's positive, practical solutions," Robertson said in a press release following the May 23 election call. "The NDP is on the move in Huron -Bruce because we are talking about ideas, while other parties snipe and throw mud." Current Huron -Bruce MP Paul Steckle launched his bid to return to Ottawa on Sunday. "This election is about selecting an MP that will fight for what the people of Huron -Bruce truly believe in," said Steckle f in a press release. "Since 1993, I have worked to he an effective and honest voice for my constituents. In all cases 1 have endeavoured to follow the motto priority; the people and, to put it simply, I am confident that the people of Huron -Bruce will again opt for that type of frank and effective representation in our nation's parliament." According to a Green Party press release issued May 23, the party will he running a full slate of candidates across the country. However, a candidate has yet to he announced for the Huron -Bruce riding. • Brussels -area resident Dave Joslin will be entering the race as the Christian Heritage Party candidate. Joslin ran for the Family Coalition Party in the provincial election last fall. Transferred hospital equipment concerns those attending forum By Jason Middleton Expositor Staff Almost 40 residents attended the first Seaforth community forum of the Huron Perth Health Care Alliance at the Seaforth branch of the Royal Canadian Legion on May 18. Many of the questions directed at Andrew Williams Chief Executive Officer of the alliance concerned the status of the Seaforth Community Hospital. "I've heard from a couple people who are quite concerned because we've heard there is some equipment being rolled out of Seaforth hospital for the advancement of other hospitals in the alliance," said Seaforth resident Maureen Agar. "I mean Seaforth has been kicked in the butt with other bigger areas borrowing our stuff and eventually our buildings close down," said Agar. Williams explained that hospital equipment is transferred between the four hospitals in the alliance. He said that equipment donated by groups would not be moved without the permission of the group. "If a piece of equipment is purchased by an auxiliary or a foundation we would never move that equipment without formal approval from that group," said Williams. Some residents were concerned about the cancellation of programs and laying off of staff at the Seaforth Community Hospital. "The alliance has not cut any programs. Those programs that have moved from the Seaforth site have not been because of decisions made by the partnership or the alliance," said Williams who explained any changes are because of physicians retiring or changing practices. "There have never been any discussions in any of the hospitals saying let's squeeze hospital D'out so hospital C can do more. The whole goal is to have four strong viable sites," said Williams. One citizen expressed concern over layoffs at the medical clinic behind the hospital. Williams assured citizens that the medical clinic was not part of the alliance and that no layoffs have taken place at the hospital. Seaforth residents expressed concern that perhaps members of the local advisory committee (LAC) may not have enough power within the alliance. Bob Broadfoot, one of three LAC members representing • Seaforth, explained that was not the case. "There has been no issues, that l have been at the table for, that has been Stratford versus the three small hospitals or the small hospitals versus Stratford," said Broadfoot. Citizens stopped questioning Broadfoot after he said Seaforth, St. Marys and Clinton each had .three LAC members as part of the alliance, which is more than half the representation of the LACs. The next LAC meeting in Seaforth is on Monday, May 31 at noon. CNIB sees benefit in audible traffic signal By Susan Hundertmark Expositor Editor Of the close to 300 Huron County clients of the Canadian National, Institute of the Blind (CNIB), the clients in Seaforth will benefit if audible traffic signals are installed at the town's main intersection. "And, there are more outside of town as well who drop by. We have 25 to 50 new clients every month because of the rising seniors' population and their age- related macular degeneration," says Paul Perna, CNIB's orientation and mobility specialist in London, Ont. The Seaforth community development trust is currently researching the idea of installing audible traffic signals at Seaforth's main intersection. Perna says one in seven seniors has a severe vision impairment and many do not contact the CNIB because they don't want to he labelled blind. "A moderate proportion of the population would find it helpful and comforting." he says. While there arc a number of audible traffic signals in cities throughout Southwestern Ontario such as Toronto, London, Chatham and Guelph, Seaforth is thc only small town Perna knows of that has Opinion Voters sell their souls supporting faddish ideology From Page 4 from their pay cheques for exactly what rationale'? Indeed, why would McGuinty not wait to see what the federal government was going to give back before he reinstated an old base for a new (no doubt) graduated tax grab 'premium' from Liberal preferred customers? The poor will pay the price for an elitist socialist failed health system. Clerks, salespeople, taxi drivers, small family businesses, gas pumpers, house maids, home care workers, agriculture workers, the military etc, are the schmucks who are not politically sexy big unions will pass the premium tax onto their collective agreements directly or indirectly and liberal inflationary economics will trickle down more burden on to the real poor, as taxpayers and customers ultimately pay for all collective agreements. Double income union workers and yuppies and seniors who complain long distance do not count as the poor. .. Quit supporting pie in the sky, inflationary militant (like there's another kind) unions, and environment masochistic projects i.e. closing of coal fire plants. Also, quit voting for socialists and change your location and lifestyle if you can't get by on $80-100,000 combined salaries. Say hello to the kids and open up jobs for thc poor who have no working parent. You get Who you vote for and you get what you ask for, sometimes you even sell your soul, and your family in thc process of embracing popular and faddish ideology. Paul Gordon expressed an interest in installing one. "1 recommend them anywhere there's a seniors' population. For them to feel safe. they need an audible clue to he sure they know the proper time to cross, which is crucial. I'm sure there are seniors who are afraid to cross Main Street now," he says. • The audihlc signal makes a "cuckoo, cuckoo" sound going north to south and "chirp. chirp" sound going cast to west. Currently. there are no audihlc traffic signals in Huron County. "We've not had any small towns as interested as Seaforth. It's certainly a proactive and responsible things to do," .{ays Perna. Perna says communities in Japan have audible signals along with traffic lights for populations other than those with a handicap. "In Japan. they think many need extra sensory information to stay safe, particularly the children." he says. Perna adds that the more audihlc traffic signals there are in a community, the more normalized they become. "The new generation will sec it as normal and required and cities will begin to budget for them everytime • they create a new intersection that need signals." he says. Perna says the audible signals cost $1,500 for each transmitter and four are required at most intersections. They arc activated with a pedestrian control button that is pushed in a prescribed manner. "You have to he mindful of the nearby residential arca and only have the audible signals operating when someone who needs them is crossing," he says. Seaforth optometrist Louis LaPlante says he's not sure how many local people will benefit from the audible traffic signals at thc main intersection. "Now, right in front of the hank and the post office - that's another story," he says. While LaPlante says there arc many seniors with age- related macular degeneration, most of them don't have significant vision problems until they've past the age of 80. "Those signals work great but is it cost effective? How many seniors over the age of 80 arc out strolling at that spot? It's a tough question," he says. "it might he beneficial but I can't tell you yes or no," he adds. THE HURON EXPOSITOR, Feb. 25, 2004-5 "Zecata ea flee V%e4 a 'sicca# eU(dC y ERT STREET DENTU' E CLINIC Denture Specialist Dean R. McTaggart D.D. Complete and Partial Dentures Denture Repairs Relines - Additions 482-1195 50 ALBERT STREET CLINTON LET TE -EM FARM HELP YOU CREATE YOUR We have the Aria's Largest Selection of ' DISTINCTIVE PLANT MATERIAL from Angelonia to Vinca & any Varieties in Between Multistem Geraniums 1000's to Choose from All in One Greenhouse A SiGHT TO BEHOLD! Deck, Patio and Balcony Planters in All Shapes and Sizes 1000's of Hanging Baskets from 10" to 20" Wave Petunias Now in Over 10 Colours! Perennials for AII'Conditions including Heritage Perennials Top 10 Perennials EVERYTHING IN ONE ACRE OF GREENHOUSE SPACE Nursery Stock and Water Plants. Asparagus is Now Ready. Tebraorm NNE of Tell TINTII TO .O Where Wonderful ideas & Pionts Grow 77688 Orchard Une, R.R.#1 Bayfleld, ON 482-3020 Monday - Friday 8 - 8, Saturday & Sunday 9 - 6 Church h Services BE-EAN 'VENANT CHURCH A CHURCH PLANT OF GRACE TRINITY COMMUNITY CHURCH 527-0029 10 am Family Sunday School 11 am Worship Service 7 pm Prayer Meeting Pastoral Team: Pastor Bob Penhearow Pastor Ron Matthews Pu 'o I a I St. Thomas Anglican Church A Congregation of the Pansh or The Hoy Spat Jarvis St. Seaforth Fr. Michael Atkins Parish Office 527-1522 Sunday May 30 The Day of Pentecost • Pansn Worship Sam* a1 Trinity. Mechea at 1 t a m Wowed by a Barbecue and Plant Sala. Pease bong poludr salad or dessert end b*i ' airs Need a ride's CM H,Nn n 527.1522 or 527-0612 Sseurd y MM 29 • 11.30 am.- Properly Clear-up Monday 7 00 p m - Prayer Group, 730 pm • Revelation Bethel Bible Church An Associated Gospel Church 126 Main St. Seaforth 527-0982 Sunday School 9:45 am Sunday Worship Hour 11 am Jim Wyllie - Pastor Youth Group Tues. 7 p.m. NORTHSIDE - CAVAN. UNITED CHURCHES Cavan 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Northside Winthrop 54 Goderich St. W SUNDAY MAY 30, 2004 Minister Rev. John Gould Yard Sale at Northside Church Sat., June 5 You are invited to attend these area churches Catholic Church St. James RC Church 14 Victoria Street, Seaforth 527-0142 Weekend Masses: Sat 5:15 pm Sun. 11:00 am St. Columban RC Church Saturday Mass at 7:30 pm Father Lance Magdziak Egmondville United Church Sunday School 10 am Worship 11 am Sunday May 30 Steve Hildebrand Lay Pastoral Minister In Training Everyone Welcome Pork BBO Wed. May 26 First Presbyterian Church Goderich St. W. Seaforth Minister Rev. Ted Nelson Sunday, May 30 10:30 a.m. Joint Service Lunch to follow fcil�cPQa.Rttng amid We're ready to help with greenhouses full and Specialists on hand Ask about our Discounts through our Frequent Shoppers Program! •Perennials • Grasses • Annuals • Planters • Hanging Baskets and More Mon. - Fri: 8 - 8 Sat. 8 - 5 Sun. 1 - 5 ® 519-565.2122 www. huron-ridge.on,ca 74101 Bronson Line R.R. 52, Zurich, ON h Km. North of Zurtch/itenaall R dge vII OPPweir` d. on the Rrnnson I.Ine