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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1981-03-18, Page 19Improve economy NDP hopeful says Improving the economy is the major plank in the platform of New Democrat candidate Ralph Wensley. Wensley, a resident of London, has been defeated four times, in previous federal and provincial elections. Wensley has a Ph. D. in agricultural pathology. He is a retired civil servant. Wensley said he would like to see Ontario become self sufficient. He said that at present we are shipping too many raw materials out of the province, andbringingin too many finished products. Some items being imported into Ontario which could be made here are T.V. dinners, dog and cat food, toilet - paper, and coffins, .ac- cording to Wensley. He said that his party would promote the manufacturing of such goods. Wensley says that job creation is an important part of the NDP plans. "We must encourage, stimulate and invest in independent businesses," he said. Among his other concerns, Wensley lists education, industrial waste, tourism and women's rights. As a scientist he is deeply concerned about industrial waste. He says he would look into technology for recovering the waste. He says that industry should recover, convert and reuse waste materials. • NEW DEMOCRATS ENJOY COFFEE . Campaign chairman Jon Morgan and NDP can- didate Ralph Wensley discuss strategy over coffee at a Thedford restaurant. Staff photo Bremen refect wage increase "The balls in your court." That was the message from fireman Stan Lovie to Grand Bend council Monday night after the firemen refused council's pay increase. "I can assure you right now the firemen won't accept your wage offer," Lovie said. Council had recently of- fered the firemen at 25 cent per hour increase. The chief and captains were raised from $6.25 per hour to *6.50. Firemen were raised from $5.75 per hour to *6.00. They received the same rate for attending fires and going to practises. There is a minimum of two hours percall, even for false alarms. If a•fireman attends less than nine practises a year, he only earns $5.50 per hour at a practise. Lovie said that Grand Bend firemen should be brought up to the same wages as other firemen in the area. He said that Exeter Mary's musings BY MARY ALDERSON The SETOC (School is Essential To Our Com- munity) group has won their first battle. They convinced the school study committee that Grand Bend school should be left open. Now it's up to that committee to per- suade the other trustees on the board of education. The SETOC people worked hard to convince the com- mittee that Grand Bend needs its public school. I think everyone in the area owes them thanks. Even if you do not have children, or your 'children do not attend that school. you surely reap some benefits from its ex- istence. If you don't do anything else this week. I suggest you show this handful of people your appreciation. They worked many hours collec- ting and putting together data, and attending lengthy meetings. They deserve a thank -you. Bob Clay and Art Read sat on the school study com- mittee. and put together a great deal of useful informa- tion. Cam Anderson, Pauline Lingard, Gail Lawson and Ed Iskauskas were very ac- tive in the SETOC group. Several others helped out Behind the scenes, and my apologies to anyone I haven't mentioned. Grand Bend is fortunate to have such con- cerned workers. Next time you see these people. walk up to them shake their hands, and say thanks. ix ix ix I'm so glad the election is upon us. I couldn't stand hearing the "Help keep the promise" jingle anymore. In fact, that jingle helped me to make a decision to support my Liberal candidate – the straw that broke the Tory's back, I guess. "Ahah!" you say, "so she's a Liberal". Wrong again. If anything, I've leaned in a Conservative direction. In the last two federal elections, I was happy to support PC Sid Fraleigh – he was a friend, a neighbour and a good MP. Also, since many of our friends are Tories, Victor and I have enjoyed many Conservative social func- tions. But as the Liberals have been saying – it's time for a change. I have many complaints with present Ontario government. I worked two summers for the Ministry of Natural Resources, and I was apalled with the waste and inequities. I understand that many of the problems I complained about have since been resolved, but in 1975-76 there were many things wrong. Just as a small example -- at that time, most girls hired at Pinery Park were labelled clerks. Most guys were assigned as maintenence crew – making about $1 more per hour than the clerks. Yet as a clerk I was expected to mow the grass around the camp of- fice. Often the malntence crew were sent into the of- fices to make out camping permits. We ended up doing the very same job at dif- ferent wages. I have also had difficulties cutting through red tape at OHIP. Similarly it is nearly impossible for students to fully understand the Ontario Students Award Program. And I think education is one area of many where a new government could make major improvements. The province should step in and set up guidelines on quality of education and course outlines, and solve such problems with boards of education as teacher strikes. I think Leigh Crozier would certainly try his hardest to make changes for the better. I had an opportunity to compare Leigh with Lorne Henderson this week. Leigh came to Grand Bend and talked about tourism and education – certainly the key issues in our village. Lorne, on the other hand talked about "incentatives" to asparagus growers, peach farmers and tomato paste factories. Not much there with which a Grand Bend resident could identify. He didn't even have any news for the potato and onion growers in our rich bog land, and he's minister of agriculture. Unfortunately, our NDP candidate didn't even make it to Grand Bend -- I had to meet with him in Thedford. There were big differences in Leigh's and Lorne's visits. Lorne's Big Blue Machine is certainly well oiled. Glossy posters of Lorne and Bill Davis side by side covered the walls of the Legion Hall. Several party faithful were on hand – but they weren't above criticizing the Tories. Leigh unfortunately came to Grand Bend almost unannounced. The handful who showed up were mainly from the Klondyke, Cut and Port Franks area. Few -Grand Bend residents even knew he was in town. He admitted that his campaign suffers from a lack in communication. He thought that an ad an- nouncing his visit had been placed in the T -A, but it seems that down in Petrolia at his campaign office, no one had heard of Exeter. Nevertheless, he gave an excellent talk, and listened to the concerns of those who spoke up. Leigh has an excellent record of getting things done. H� has been reeve of Forest, and is now serving as deputy reeve. He is an outspoken member of county council. He's responsible for the revival of the North Lambton Chamber of Commerce and the Forest Excel. sior Band. He's active in numerous service clubs, and provides free legal counsel for many service organizations. Leigh may not win this round. His inexperienced campaign staff are no match for the big blue machine. But next time., once he gets going -- Look out, Lorne! firemen earn $9 per hour, and $3 at a practise. He added that firemen at Zurich, Crediton and Huron Park earn more than Grand Bend firemen. Reeve Robert Sharen pointed our that Grand Bend fire department wages were in line with Dashwood. Sharen said they were no longer a volunteer fire department, but a part time fire department. Sharen added that volunteer firemen in Oil Springs and Petrolia are paid nothing. He said that in Petrolia the town holds a banquet and dance for the firemen and .their spouses and girlfriends.. Lovie said that men earning 818 an hour don't want to leave their jobs to go to fires. He said that the four percent increase (25 cents per hour) was not justified. Lovie also questioned council on the fire hall. He said that a new hall, or an addition had been promised, but it had been "thrown out the window". Sharen admitted that the fire committee consisting of himself, Allan Walper of Stephen and Bill Lindsay of Bosanquet had not met for some time. He said he un- derstood that the new fire hall plans had been returned to the firemen to get quotes on prices for the hall. Councillor Dennis Snider said that he had taken the plans back to the firemen, but that they had returned them to council saying that it was not their responsibility to get quotes. The plans have been sitting in the village office for three months, Snider said. "Let's get quotes, let's get this thing rolling," he added. Snider volunteered to look after getting quotes. He also pointed out that there are many alternatives available. The rec com- mittee has suggested that a new firehall could be in- corporated into the proposed rec centre and community hall. Lovie went on to ask council about insurance coverage for firemen. Clerk Louise Clipperton explained that they are covered by workman's compensation. They will receive 75 percent of their own salary, if they miss work as the result of an PINERY OPP During the week of March 8 to March 14, Ontario Provincial Police at Pinery Park detachment laid nine charges under the highway traffic act. Eight charges were laid under the liquor licence act, and two thefts were investigated. As well, seven miscellaneous oc- currences were handled. injury while at a fire. The maximum is $266.82 per week, she said. Lovie pointed out that some firemen lose money while leaving their jobs to attend a fire. Councillor Keith Crawford asked if they were in it for the service or for the money. After the firemen left, Crawford said "There's no way we can afford it, (giving firemen $9 per hour). "I get the impression that if we don't come up with the dough, they won't be here," Crawford added. Crawford suggested that other alternatives be looked at, such as buying out the townships, and forming the village's own fire depart- ment. If Grand Bend did not have to serve Stephen and Bosanquet, they would not need a new fire hall, or a tanker, Sharen explained. He also said that the pumper would last longer if it only travelled on the village's paved streets rather than township roads. "The 25 cent increase was notmeant to be a slap in the face, but it was taken that way," Crawford said. Sharen apologized for not knowing that the firehall plans had been returned to council. Please turn to page 11A Liberal plans tourism ministry Tourism should no longer be a "second class cousin" to industry, according to Liberal candidate Leigh Crozier. Crozier spoke to a small gathering at the Green Forest Hotel in Grand Bend Tuesday night. Crozier said that he ob- jected to the way the provincial government lumps industry and tourism in the same ministry. He pointed out that tourism is the second largest industry in Ontario, and he said that it should have its own government body. Crozier said that the Liberal party formed a task force to investigate tourism recently, and they came up with two conclusions. At present, tourism is over regulated, Crozier said. He said that some proposals have to be handled by 14 different ministries. He also said that those in the tourism business are overtaxed. Because the season is so short, the tourism industry shouldn't be taxed on a 12 month basis. In the informal discussion, John Kelders of Klondyke camp ground, south of Grand Bend agreed with Crozier. He said that an expansion on his camp ground was ready for operation, but it was several months before he could gain approval from all the various ministries. Crozier said that Liberal party recognizes that they have to take tourism and small business seriously. He said that the present government has been giving millions of dollars to big businesses such as the Reed Paper company, but no funding is available for the small businessman, and tourism businesses. "There's something wrong with their whole'approach," he explained. The Liberal hopeful also talked at length about the quality of education in Ontario. He said that the boards of education are"creatures" of the ministry of education, and the ministry should step in when the boards cannot get along. Crozier made that statement in reference to the situation in Grand Bend, where students living in Huron County but wishing to attend Grand Bend school which is nearer to them, have to pay a high tuition fee. A Liberal government would also look into the problem of high school boundaries dividing the village of Grand Bend in two, he said. Crozier said that the quality of education needs to be improved. He explained that he is presently looking for a legal secretary to work in his law office, and that most students cannot even write a letter of application. A Liberal government would look into operating apprenticeship programs in the schools to better prepare students for working world, he added. Crozier lamented the lack of "intimacy" in the schools. There is too little com- munication between parents, teachers, and boards of education, he said. Industrial waste disposal and the red tape in the civil service were also denounced by the candidate. Crozier said that the provincial government has not carefully looked into the problems of disposing in- dustrial waste. "We can fix the economy, we can im- prove education, but if we fool with Mother Nature, we might just wreck her forever," he said. Only about 15 people at- tended the meeting. Crozier said he was sorry the gathering hadn't been better advertised. A LIBERAL HANDSHAKE — Lambton liberal hopeful Leigh Crozier shrikes hands with John Kelders of RR 2, Grand Bend. Crozier met with interested voters of the (keen Forest Hotel Tuesday. Staff photo Times -Advocate, March 18, 1981 Pogo 3A Tories question Henderson Some of the lack of unity which haunts the federal Conservative party was evi- dent in Grand Bend when Lorne Henderson spoke to a Tory gathering Thursday night. About 35 people came to the Legion Hall to talk to the Lambton incumbent and minister of agriculture. While most appeared to be faithful party workers, some dissension was expressed. In a question and answer period. one member of the audience complained about seatbelt laws. put in place by Bill Davis's Conservative government. Henderson replied that while "you and I curse them", seatbelts cut OHIP costs in half by reduc- inginjuries in car accidents. Henderson was also at- tacked on Bill Davis's ap- parent siding with Prime Minister Trudeau on the con- stitution issue. Henderson pointed out that Premier John Robarts had called for the bringing home of the constitution in 1968. He said that Davis had agreed with Trudeau at the Victoria conference on the constitution in 1971, and he was the only premier still in power since that time. "You don't want him to be a flip- flop," Henderson said of Davis. At that point, another member of the audience, Van Laughton, said that Davis had only agreed to the amending formula, not the constitution. Henderson admitted that the Tories have not done a good job on communicating the constitution question. He jokingly suggested that Davis hire Laughton to ex- plain the issue. Henderson also called on defeated Conservataive' federal candidate Sid Fraleigh to answer the con- sitution questions. Fraleigh ,said that Davis is reading the "mood of the elec- torate". and supporting Trudeau. saying. "let's get it home, and worry later." The dissension became ap- parent again. when Grand Bend resident ltoy Johnson said that "we could get more votes" if the party leaders would announce themselves. "Davis should put the people of Ontario straight," John- son said. Similar problems with Joe Clark and the petrocan issue were discussed. In his speech prior to the question and answer period Henderson talked about in- centives given to asparagus, peach and tomato growers. Henderson pointed out his governments achievements, saying that more green houses have been planned at the Bruce nuclear power sta- tion. He said that asparagus growers have increased profits since government helped finance the planting. He said he has also helped with the cost of replanting peach trees in the Niagara area. He said that his government will help build tomato paste canning fac- tories to help the tomato growers He said that the new Canadians form Central Europe and young people eating pizza are creating a market for tomato paste. Henderson said that his government would like to see the price of oil set at 75 percent of the world price. That would create jobs in Sarnia in the petro -chemical industry. "These incentives will make us self supporting here in Ontario. and improve the economy." he said. Grand Bend reeve Robert Sharen pointed out that the Tory government promoted an urban transit develop- ment which will bring millions of dollars into On- tario. Cities like Los Angeles and Vancouver are going to copy the urban transit system in Toronto. Hender- son said this will create jobs in Ontario. Henderson agreed to look into problems for two people during the question period. Zoo owner Ted Relouw wanted to know why he could not erect signs along area highways while other people were allowed to. The ministry of transportation and communication removes some signs, he said Pauline Lingard asked that the provincial govern- ment look into the problem of declining enrolment 'at Grand Bend school and ad- just county school boundaries to allow more children to at- tend the school. Henderson said that the boards of education were autonomous and that the ministry of education was reluctant to interfere. Henderson also said that thedecreased birth rate is going to cause severe problems all along the line. Henderson invited everyone to attend his vic- tory party at Oil Springs on Thursday night. A CONSERVATIVE CHAT — Lambton Conservation MPP and Minister of Agriculture Lorne Henderson talks with "true blue" supporters George Lotto and Roy Johnson after a meeting at the Legion hall, Thursday. Staff L EIGH CROZIER CARES! Ni/ LEIGH CROZIER isa part of our community and WORKS HARD for what he believes in!! LEIGH CROZIER is an outspoken LEADER and a TOUGH FIGHTER of STRONG CON- VICTION when the interests of his community are at stake!! aar We believe that LEIGH CROZIER as an IN- DIVIDUAL, and the LIBERAL PARTY that he represents, have presented the BEST POLICY FOUNDATIONS on which to build a STRONGER AND MORE PROSPEROUS Province of Ontario!! Fora BETTER FUTURE for all ofus: i/ Vote fora STRONG ONTARIO!! le Vote fora STRONG CANADA!! Vote fora STRONG CANDIDATE!! l/ Vote for LEIGH CROZIER anda LIBERAL GOVERNMENT! VOTE - ELECT CROZIER Leigh -No LIBERAL FOR MPP LAMBTON RIDING For a ride to the polls, or other assistance, call us at: Petrolia Corunna Forest 882-2910 862-2214 786 2500 photo