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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2004-09-29, Page 44 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, S.pt. 29, 2004 Your Community Newspaper Sind 1860 Tom Williscraft - Publisher Susan Hundertmark - Editor Dianne McGrath - Subscriptions/Classifieds Bernie Pugh - Office/Advertising Jason Middleton - Reporter Anne Roden - Distribution OUEBECOR MEDIA E-mail us at seaforth@bowesnet.com Visit our home page at www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES: LOCAL - 35.85 a year, in advance, plus G.S.T. SENIORS: • 33.85 a year, in advance, plus G.S.T. USA & Foreign: 35.85 a year in advance, plus $83.20 postage G.S.T. exempt Published weekly by Sun Medio at 11 Main St., Seaforth. Advertising is accepted on condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error, advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell and may be withdrawn at any time. The Huron Expositor is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used forreproduction purposes. PUBLICA11ON MAIL AGREEMENT 40029693 PAP REGISTRATION NO. 7605 RETURN UNDEUVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO Circulation Deportment P.O. Box 69 Seaforth, ON., NOK 1 WO e-mail: seoforth0bowesnet.com Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2004 Editorial aid tosiw.ss Officio. - 11 Maim ffr..t.,E.ai.rfh T.l.ph.w. (519) 527.0240 Pax (519) 527-2958 Mailing Addr.ss - P.O. lox 69, E.ai.rN ,, Oa .ri., NOK 1 WO Member of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association & the Ontario Community Newspopers Associotion 'We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing cosh.' Cana& Editorial `Choosing change hasn't worked in Ontario The more things change the more they stay the same. Perhaps that should be the new slogan for Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and his provincial Liberals. After all, a vote to 'choose change' almost one year ago hasn't seemed to get us very far. In fact, one might argue Ontario is actually worse with McGuinty's Liberals at the helm given the province's new health premiums and the most recent cutbacks aimed at the agricultural community. For us to suggest the last 12 months have been anything short of interesting for Ontario residents would be an understatement. It seems like only yesterday that McGuinty stood triumphant after a sea of red swept across the province as the Liberal Party picked up 72 seats in the provincial legislature — up from 36. The Progressive Conservatives were left with 24 seats while the NDP garnered 24 seats. Following the impressive victory McGuinty stood triumphant saying the people of Ontario had 'chosen change.' At that time the premier -elect promised to deliver a stronger economy, smaller class sizes and clean air and water. "This victory belongs to the people," McGuinty said in his victory speech. "This government belongs to the people. "We have been elected to serve the people and there is no room in this government for complacency or arrogance." Huron -Bruce voters joined the masses and also chose change electing Carol Mitchell to provincial office by a margin of 3,000 votes over former MPP Helen Johns (Mitchell received 19,879 votes while Johns finished with 16,594 votes). In the days, weeks and months since their victory much has changed. So far the Liberals' legacy has been hundreds of broken promises and an Ontario that now finds itself lacking an identity. Are we really better off since choosing change? We suspect a random poll of Huron -Bruce voters would produce a dramatic shift in the way voting patterns might fall should an election be held tomorrow. It's strange how people react when they're somehow hoodwinked. That was just the case when McGuinty promised he would hold the line on taxes just days before the election — despite knowing the Conservatives were unable to balance the books. "We will absolutely not raise taxes on our families," McGuinty told the Signal -Star. "The amount that families are paying today in taxes will be the same amount you'll be paying under a Liberal government." Isn't it funny that as McGuinty and his party mark their first full year in office Ontarians will also mark the first full three months they've been shelling out monthly health premiums. Remind us again what you're planning to do with taxes? As mentioned earlier a similar scenario has played out for the province to see as it relates. to the agricultural community. Cutbacks have been the order of the day as farmers struggle to secure monies after the province hacked and slashed its agricultural portfolio to pay for — best we can figure out — infrastructure improvements in urban Ontario. Locally the situation has not been any better. While we remain skeptical about what lies ahead we're also hopeful that Ontario's elected leaders will live up to their remaining promises and the province as a whole will continue to grow. Only time will tell whether voters made the right decision or whether they need to look in another direction when we head back to the polls on Oct. 4, 2007. Goderich Signal -Star ow tocess usJ x P s to the Edit' t a t ! submissions be made to us . r r ays at: forth@bowesnetcom 1 letters and submissions must be Opinion McGuinty deserved boos at IPM after lack of action on BSE, says reader To the Editor, A funny thing happened on the way to the International Plowing Match the other day. Not the "hurt your ribs laughing" kind of funny, but the "if 1 don't laugh I'm going to cry" kind of funny. First I heard Dalton McGuinty make this grandiose promise that a Liberal announcement on rural education was going to get rid of split grades in small schools. Quickly doing the math it wasn't hard to figure out the announcement only actually amounted to less than half a teacher per rural school. If this latest Liberal attempt to mislead the public with false promises wasn't enough, it was the statements around the farm income crisis caused by BSE that truly floored me. Dalton McGuinty has been in power for a year, he was about to attend the International Plowing Match, there is a very important sector of the economy in real trouble, and families, communities and businesses of all kinds are profoundly scared. Yet Dalton McGuinty had nothing to say on BSE, and what's worse his comments revealed clearly that his year- old government, facing a crisis that has been deepening for close to a year and a half, has no plan or strategy to deal with it. None whatsoever. No wonder so many people at the Plowing Match booed the Premier as he went by in the parade. I say this not in a partisan way. I am truly flabbergasted that Premier McGuinty could demonstrate so little planning about how to deal with this, and really so many other issues and promises. This is not the time to dither and play 'duck and cover.' These are serious issues that are undermining the very future of many of our farm families, our communities and business of all types that people from urban centres big and small depend upon for their livelihood. The evidence is in - Dalton McGuinty has turned his back on rural Ontario. McGuinty has raised hydro rates, jacking up operating costs for family farms and other local businesses. His regressive health tax is taking money from rural Ontarians who often can't find a family doctor or have had their health services cut. Despite a promise that he would "guarantee a strong Ministry of Agriculture and Food", the ministry's budget is being slashed by 12 per cent and that is only the beginning of cutting programs farmers rely on and broken promises around Nutrient Management. Dalton McGuinty and his Liberal MPPs remind me of the kid who volunteers to help out in a community group just to pad his resume. He makes all kinds of promises to get through the door, but when it's time to roll up the sleeves and get some work done, there's nothing but excuses and he's no where to be seen. Protecting and enhancing our families, our communities and rural and small town Ontario is going to take more than photo -ops and false promises. It will take real work, a plan and a strategy. Rural and small town Ontario needs real advocates, not voiceless Liberals and a Premier that either doesn't get it or doesn't care. Grant Robertson Paisley, Ont. People for Peace holding Goderich vigil on Oct. 2 against Missile Defence plan To the Editor, I wanted to let your readers know of a local vigil which is part of the Canadian Peace Alliances Cross Canada Day of Action Against Missile Defence. On Saturday, Oct. 2, People for Peace will be holding a candlelight vigil from 7 to 8 p.m. on Highway 21 in front of MP, Paul Steckle's office in Goderich. Oct. 2 has been chosen as the day of action for a number of reasons. It is one day after BMD officially goes on line in the United States, it is two days before the Parliament of Canada resumes and it is the final day' of the International Keep Space for Peace week. Under pressure from Washington, the government of Canada is considering participating in U.S. Missile Defense. Missile Defense is an aggressive military project that will provoke nuclear proliferation. put weapons in space, expand U.S. militarism, and increase military spending. For these reasons, the Canadian Peace Alliance is campaigning to stop Canadian involvement in Missile Defense. We want to prevent the weaponization of space. We invite your readers to show their opposition to this threat to global peace by coming to the vigil. • Those at the vigil will have an opportunity to sign a letter to leave for Paul Steckle urging him to oppose Canadian participation in the US Missile Defence project. Those unable to attend can contact me, Tony McQuail (519) 528 - 2493 if they wish to have their names added to the letter. Yours in peace, Tony McQuail, RR # 1, Lucknow, ON Hallett Wildlife Area planned in 1979 as SW Ontario's `most significant' SEPTEMBER 26, 1879 John Cowan of McKillop acted as judge of sheep at the Guelph Central Fair and John McMillian of Hullett acted as judge of cattle at the Toronto Exhibition. Messrs. A.G. McDougall and D.D. Wilson of Seaforth are busily engaged in buying apples for shipment to the old country. Daniel McGregor of Harpurhey has the finest pears in this part of the country. S. Kennedy and his family have moved to Blyth where he intends to reside. John Govenlock of McKillop is doing a large business this season in purchasing sheep and shipping them to the American market. A man in the Winthrop area has left leaving a debt of $80 at Mrs. Murchies store. SEPTEMBER 30, 1904 The want of houses in the village of Hensall, while itself is a good sign, is at the same time being found quite an inconvenience and we are pleased to learn that some new buildings are in completion and showed a very good investment. Quite a number will commence the corn harvest at Constance which in most cases will not be a long or difficult task. It was unfortunate Years Agone... Saturday, the second day of milling openings, was so wet and disagreeable. Frank L. Willis has opened up a stock of gents' furnishings in the store lately occupied by Lenroyd and Co. Y.F. Coiling was the winner of the Handsome trophy presented to the bowling club by James Dick. Walter Kemp of town has sold his house to James Rankin. Melville McPhee has sold a house and lot on Coleman Street to John McDonald for $350. SEPTEMBER 29,1929 Miss R. Simpson, who teaches at #10 Hay had the misfortune to fracture her arm. Jas. Swan and daughter mamie of Brucefield returned home after spending a few months visiting friends at the coasts and in the west. The long drought has been broken by some wee showers at Staffa. Dr. A.R. Campbell of Hensall received second prize for best horse in harness and outfit and second for horses in other classes. Messrs. M. McLaughlin of Manley, Ross McKay and Miss Healy took in the sights in Midland after spending a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Eckert. OCTOBER 1, 1954 Seaforth Lions club marked the 30th anniversary of the founding at the banquet in the community centre. In honour of the event Edward G. Barry of Little Rock, Arkansas, was the guest speaker. The late R.M. Jones was the first President and W.G. Spencer the first secretary. Of the 25 charter members, four continue as active members. These are C.A. Barber, J.E. Keating, Jas. G. Mullen and W.J. Duncan. In a draw held by Ball McCaulay in connection with their display at the Fall Fair, prizes were won as follows: first, Betty Muegge, Seaforth $10 in merchandise; second Bill Scott, $5; third, Mrs. Geo. Henderson, Brucefield, $3 in merchandise. The annual Tip Top doubles tournament of the Seaforth Lawn Bowling Club was rained out on Wednesday afternoon. In a draw for a Tip Top suit or coat the lucky ticket was held by Ross Savauge. Wilson Oke, while racing at Listowel, suffered broken ribs and bruises when he was thrown to the track. SEPTEMBER 27, 1979 Seaforth passed a bylaw setting up its own fire department at a special council meeting Tuesday night and committed itself to buying a new fire truck from King Seagrave Ltd., Woodstock for $53,683. A spectacular performance by the O.P.P. golden helmet precision motorcycle team wag the highlight of closing day activities Fjlay as 133rd Seaforth Fall Fair. Seaforth has a new recreation director. He is Bryan H. Peter, 24, who has been director in Wiarton for the past four years. Vanastra business are up in arms over the prospect of being saddled with a huge debt if the proposed addition is build onto the Vanastra recreation centre. The addition proposed by Tuckersmith Township council last week was estimated about $225,000. Council has refused to give the cost the the engineer estimates it will cost when it is built now. Hullett Township reeve Joe Hunking was presented with the master plan for the development of 2,400 hectares (6000 acres) of the Hullett Wildlife area last Wednesday, 'a plan which would make the area one of Southern Ontario's most significant wildlife habitats. Ron Dave What's the tad left his matter with beer out... you? so I tried a little bit of it devtrononddave.com by David Lacey I think I'm gonna throw up. 000 0'