The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutTimes Advocate, 1993-12-15, Page 16Page 16 Times -Advocate, December 15,1993 IN ?"N l',. NF. WS' What if South Huron was one single municipality? By Adrian Harte T -A Editor EXETER - Will there come a day when the Town of Exeter no longer exists as a separate municipality? Are there too many small govern- ments today that could be replaced by one larger, more efficient gov- ernment? ," Such ideas may be years away from becoming reali- ty, if ever. However, discussions about amalgamating local towns, villages and townships are crop- ping up with increas- ing frequency amongst local politi- cians and municipal staff. Regional government has long been a bad word ' amongst politi- cians who perceive them as huge inefficient organizations withou Once again, the main problem is sensitivity for the issues of the that if Exeter is to enlarge its urban smaller rural communities within area, the surrounding townships their borders. But what if Exeter, stand to lose part of their tax base. Stephen Township, Hay Township, Such problems would not exist if Usborne Township, Hensall and there were only one municipality to Zurich were to become one munici- decide where Exeter's urban area "I don if Ex phas m pality? Some don't see that idea as quite so unattractive., Exeter council brought the sub- ject up at their meeting last week when deputy -reeve Lossy Fuller briefed council on the possibility of annexations within Huron County. She said county council has more or fess been told that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs doesn't want individual applica- tions for annexations - they would rather deal with Huron County as a whole. "We must notify the ministry we are interested in going ahead and doing something," said Fuller, suggesting that Exeter's as -yet -unofficial hopes for border expansion should be made official. 'f know eter will e off the ap of the world." should begin or end, said Fuller "I don't know jf Exeter will phase off the map of the world," com- mented councillor Ben Hoogen- boom, but agreed one larger gov- ernment could take care of Exeter and surrounding municipalities. "We have far too many politi- cians," said Hoogenboom, and not- ed many European countries have towns and villages that still exist, but are administered on a larger level. But he said one regti5nal government to administer all of Hu- ron.might not be appropriate. "I don't think we want to leave it up to the politicians in Goderich [county council)... they haven't been able to make any decisions that people in Canada want from politicians." said Hoogenboom, adding little has been done to downsize or reduce costs of county government. "I think the local municipalities can talk. We need some round ta- ble discussion," said Fuller, who added the ministry has been noti- fied that Huron is interested in par- ticipating in annexation discus- sions. OPP look for suspects in five break-ins EXETER - Five break-ins are un- der investigation by the Exeter OPP. Overnight Saturday Larry's Town and Country Inn in Crediton was broken into through a window, say police. However, nothing is be- lieved to have been stolen. The same night, thieves took an amount of cash from Allen's Coun- try Cafe Restaurant in Dashwood. Again, entry was gained through a window. Friday morning, at 2:08 a.m. would-be thieves triggered the bur- glar alarm at Darling's Food,Market on Main Street in Exeter by break- ing through the front door. Police say the alarm apparently scared off the burglars as nothing is believed stolen. A daylight burglary at a Conces- sion 8 Usborne Township home be- tween 11:05 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursday resulted in the theft of stereo equipment, a camera, a geld ring, books, and compact disks. Police say the value of the goods taken was considerable. The same day, a home on Con- cession 9 of Usborne Township was also burglarized. Taken were various household items, again of considerable value. Police say they believe the two break-ins are relat- ed. Police are also investigating more minor thefts in the area, including a potted plant taken from a Zurich seniors apartment building, a loss of Christmas lights from a Central- ia home, and the theft of a large Christmas star pried off a Zurich residence wall. Computer package no bargain,says councillor HENSALL - With high-powered computers going for bargain prices these days, Hensel! councillor Jeff Reaburn urged caution when look- ing at a proposal to replace two vil- lage computers for S6,000. "What is deficient about the cur- rent computer that we have?" asked Reaburn, to which clerk Luanne Phair replied it was six years old and lacked sufficient memory and storage. "I'm not surprised it needs to be updated." said Reaburn, but said he took exception to the price quoted the village by one company. "I don't think were geuing a good price there...we have to shop around because 1 don't think this is a gooddeal," said Reaburn, who came prepared with advertisements showing similar computer packages for about $2,000 each. Phair agreed the best deal is needed, but noted that the village should consider servicing arrange- ments and getting the most "user friendly" equipment available, since about 80 percent of office time was spent on the computer. Council approved a motion to hold off the equipment purchase. until more peke quotations could be found. Earl French wins seat Biddulph reeve new Middlesex warden LUCAN - Biddulph Township reeve Earl French won his bid to take on the warden's responsibili- ties for Middlesex County last week. French defeated Ailsa Craig reeve Don Shipway in a county council vote. When asked about his plans for his one-year term as head of Mid- dlesex Council, French said the on- going strategic planning process takes top priority, as far as he's con- cerned. The strategic plan will set out the county's priorities to serve its resi- dents in a post -annexation county. "I'm looking forward to seeing the strategic plan to become reality in 1994," said French, adding it would be the main focus of his term. The county will be taking a hard look at services such as waste man- agement, transportation, sewage treatment, and even if Middlesex can afford to take over highways the province no longer wants. Dis- entanglement with the province over such issues may be on hold for now, but French sees it coming around again. "I think it's inevitable. It'll have to come back," he said. Economic development is also part of the strategic plan, and fund- ing ways ao bring new business.;lo Middlesex will have to be a part of that, said the new warden. "Anywhere where we can entice a business to relocate in the cout'ty is a benefit to us all," he said. I Although he hails from a town- ship on the county's north bordar, French said he aims to represent the county's best interests as a who, and wants to carry on the proms begun by past -warden Joel BlacIt,- more. "I would like to carry on whose he left off," said French. Obviously, in a 50,000 popula- tion county that encircles the 316,000 population of the City of London, many issues will involve the city. "I think we can become very good working partners with *e city," said French. "I may be name in that respect." But regardless of Middlesex's as- pirations, London is always going to be there. Student March Break extended CLINTON - Students in Huron County at both the high school and elementary level will have an ex- tended holiday this March as many teachers and support staff are forced to take time off due to the provincial Social Contract. The Huron County Board of Edu- cation announced last week that the school year calendar would be changed in all schools, except Bluewater Secondary School, so af- fected staff could take unpaid leave during that week. :111k1k1 4 4\ Aft. r • a- --*), 1111 AP trd :: Although it appears the students are getting an extra week of holi- days, students will still finish the year with the same number of in- structional days that was set out at the beginning of the year since the board cancelled a number of pro- fessional development days earlier this Fall. This revised schedule shouldre- duce busing problems in many parts of Huron County where routes arc shared with other school boards. EP PAl' ISER Chair and A quality chair will become a Footstool favourite in your home adding es39 comfort and style to any room COLLECTION NOTIQ Bluewater Recycling Association Due to the Holiday Season there will be no Blue Box pick-up on Monday, December 27. Regular Monday pick-up will resume on January 3, 1994. Seado#1'Sq A