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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1994-05-11, Page 2Pape 2 Times -Advocate, May 11, 1994 IN THE NKWS A•, r egiana0 wrap up Board refuses to 'rubber stamp' plan MOUNT FOREST - The board of directors at Louise Marshall Hospital refused to give its approval to the operating plan for 1994-95 which they hadn't seen, regardless of possi- ble $2,000 a day fines. Board member Carol Leibold said last Thursday that as a new member, she sometimes felt she was voting on things she didn't know enough about. Don Seim, finance chairman said the document couldn't be given to board members earlier because the government failed to provide the necessary infor- mation for the committee until the last minute. If the operating plan isn't sub- mitted to the District Health Unit and Ministry of Health by May 5, the hospital faces fines, it was reported in the Mount Forest Confederate. Dr. Ken Babey, chief of staff at the hospital , said the board shouldn't be put in a position of having to pass a piece of legisla- tion on the threat of a fine. Province cuts hospital budget SEAFORTH - The Seaforth Community Hospital has read the fine print of provincial fund- ing plans and it's not good, ac- cording to Bill Thibert, chief ex- ecutive officer. The province announced that it wanted to "flat line" spending but in actual fact Seaforth hospi- tal will lose 1.5 percent of its funding or $70,000 from last year's budget, it was reported in the Seaforth Expositor. Survey shows unsafe water LISTOWEL - Unsafe levels of bacteria were found in 26 per- cent of drilled wells and 72 per- cent of dug wells in Perth County as a result of a Rural Water Quality Survey of private Wells in 1991-92. The report was recently re- leased by the Perth District Health Unit. The study shows many wells i Perth County do not provide an acceptable source of drinking water, it was reported in the Lis- towel Banner. While there are approximate- ly 6,500 wells in Perth County, the report indicates the sam- pling of 142 wells is representa- tive with study results consis- tent with those found in a recent Ontario survey of drink- ing water quality. Violent crime on rise MITCHELL - A special ap- peal has been issued by Crime Stoppers of Perth County for residents to identify people in- volved in criminal activity as vi- olence in communities has in- creased as has the use of illegal guns in crimes. "There is no community .that should be permitted to be a hid- ing place for these armed thugs," said Roger Dumas, coordinator of Crime Stoppers in Perth County. "People shouldn't be afraid to speak out for fear of retalia- tion," he told the Mitchell Ad- vocate. A Huron MPP applauds the 1994 provincial budget No news is good news for taxpayers CLINTON - Ontario taxpayers got a break last week as the provincial budget came through as promised: no tax in- creases and no new taxes. A deficit reduction to $8.5 billion will be achieved through some S350 million in program spending cuts, and through in- creased revenues from job creation and economic growth, predicts provincial finance minister Floyd Laughren. Huron MPP Paul Klopp, in a telephone interview at his Clinton office, said he welcomed the budget as good news for his riding. When asked for an overall impression of the 1994 budget Klopp replied "It's what we're hoping would happen when we made those tough decisions last year....that it would pay off in economic activity, companies would feel more comfort- able investing in Ontario." He said last year's budget recognized a revenue problem, and its tax increases were necessary. "Taking these tougher decisions, learning to live within our means is beginning to pay off," said Klopp. This budget started with "little things", he said, such as re- ducing taxes on U -Brew operations, and the sales tax on top- soil and sand products. The overall government operating deficit has been reduced by 30 percent in past two years. The annual deficit is projected at $8.5 billion this year. Is it still too high to boost investor confidence? Can it still hurt the economy? "It depends on who you talk to," said Klopp. "But I think on the whole it's going down, and that's what long-term in- vestors want to see." "We're keeping our investment in capital and it's investing in jobs - which is what our people want to see as our econ- omy grows." "People do want services, and they don't want to see hos- pitals and the major expenditures just cut and slashed in one big swoop. As much as everybody would like that, that just sends big shocks through the system." "You're going to have investment people who are saying 'oh, this isn't enough', well those people are living in another world. They don't want to see any taxes; they don't want any deficits; they don't want any government spending; they want to go and have it all. But then they're also the same ones [who) appreciate that we have roads, that we have water sys- tems that treat water [laughs] and those things do cost mon- ey." The finance minister has rearranged the province's books to remove $2 billion in loans from the operating deficit- The opposition are calling it "hiding the red ink". Klopp said most of those funds are for the On- tario Clean Water Agency's capital funds for in- vestment. "We're not trying to hide anything. Those things are on the books," said Klopp. "We found very few other governments did their books the way Ontario did them. We just put everything together, capital, long-term in- vestments, and operating, and most accounting firms say you should keep them separate. And that's all we're doing, running it like a busi- ness....so you can see what you're spending it on." Since the big attraction of this budget is a lack of new taxes, does this represent a gov- ernment's realization the taxpayer can pay no more? "No, we've said very clearly two years ago...that there's three ways you can attack a deficit...raising new taxes, low- ering incomes. and reducing services. And we clearly took that approach last year and the year before that. And as we also said as things improve, we'll look at reducing, or not raising taxes. We didn't want to raise any taxes five years ago. Nobody does. But at the same time governments do raise taxes: the tories did it, the Liberals did it and we did it....but at the same time we're trying to find out if we're not just spending money and then have to go find the money." "With income coming in from more people getting em- ployed, we're able to turn the key the other way." A moratorium on the employer health tax is being tout- ed as a way of creating 12,000 new jobs in Ontario. Is the savings of up to $600 enough incentive to actually trigger new hiring? "A lot of people are hiring. A lot of people talk about the employer health tax, and we thought this would be a little bit of a tonic for a lot of businesses, and a lot of small busi- nesses," said Klopp. "I think this is really for small business. When 1 think of a person who's got one or two people hired, or himself and his wife, and they're thinking 'you know, we really are busy'. And a lot of people are busy, but they're going "well if we hire someone that's a form, and it's $600 bucks, or $550, whatever it might be' - You know we're taking away that ar- gument. and I think it's going to help a lot of smaller busi- nesses in rural and small-town Ontario. That's where I think we're going to have the biggest plus for it." "That's even going to help summer employment, the tourist industry. A lot of places hire people and that's pne of their bugaboos," said Klopp, who 0000.00 a a said the lack of new taxes, particularly retail will help tourism. New taxes have a psycho- logical effect of turning away tourists. "Again this year, no tax increase on booze, for the third year in a row. Let's face it...it's a good news thing for the tourism industry." The budget Is based on a prediction of a 3.4 percent growth for the Ontario economy. Is that too optimistic? "Actually no, surprise surprise... the fore- casters from a number of institutions were out this week, the TD they thought it would be way over the four percent growth rate for Ontario." "Floyd [Laughren] made it very clear. we're not trying to snowball anybody. He's been very conservative about all his projections. You never know what's going to happen." Bond raters, said Klopp, "don't want anybody shooting the bull, and actually [Laughren's] projections are right in the middle I hope he's wrong and the TD is right. it's five per- cent [growth]." Specifically, what is there in the budget for rural On- tario and agriculture? Klopp agreed that the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Issues is having to hold the line with its pro- grams this year. He said the farm tax rebate hasn't been in- creased, but at least it is being maintained at the same rate, he said. "There's no real surprises with our budget," said Klopp. He said the good news for rural Ontario, and the rest of the province, is the lack of an increase in gasoline taxes, and no new personal income taxes. He said the jobsOntario training program is continuing to prove its worth in the province's counties, and boasts of get- ting 300 people back to work in Huron County already. The key to better news on Ontario's farms might be in hold- ing the line on the economy, rather than in new agricultural programs, he said. "I'd rather keep interest rates down where they are and crop prices come up a bit," he said. Trustees vote to replace retiring supervisor CL111 TON - The Huron County Board of Education had a difficult time last Monday de- ciding where to limit cost cutting measures as trustees de- bated whether it was necessary to replace retiring supervisory officer Arnold Mathers. Atter considerable discussion and much confusion, they decided Mathers would be replaced. "We are already a frugal board and at this point we haven't got any fat left to trim, " said trustee Norm Pickell referring to cuts in administrative staff. "We have already reduced staff by eliminating the transi- tion years coordinator and the principal at the Learning Re- source Centre, trustee Jim Chap- man added. Finally, trustee Bob Burton asked board director Paul Car- roll for a bit of direction on the issue. "I think this organization +Would be.Wrely tried with the reorganization that would be necessary with no supervisory officer at this time," he said. Earlier in the meeting, he told trustees restructuring adjust- ments haven't been easy for the board. 1 don't think the system is ready for a reduction," Carroll said. The issue was held over from the April board meeting because trustees wanted more informa- tion on the supervisory officer's role and the potential effects of eliminating the role. "We decided not to eliminate a trustee a few months ago so I would find it very difficult to ac- cept the elimination of an super- visory officer," Craig said. Finally there was a recorded vote on the original motion which was to replace the super- visory officer. The motion passed nine to six. 100,000 expected at air show or Continued from front page. "That's not a big problem but it's a disappointment," said Lee. "The Lancaster has got a new engine and it will be flying." The World War II Lancaster . bomber will be joined by'oither air - crafts of the past such as the Har- vard, Tiger Moth and Hurricanes. Also attending the meeting on Saturday was Dick Lyman of the United States Navy. He said since the U.S. reserves are downsizing, he is having troubie getting planes to come to the show. "It's kind of frustrating calling wing commanders. It's hard to get them to send planes across the country. Naval aviation is having a traumatic year," said Lyman. He added that there could also be difficulty with some of the jets in taking off from the 5,000 foot -long Centralia Airport runway. Most jets need up to 6,000 feet, he noted. Among the aircraft expected to arrive at Centralia are the B-25 Mitchell, Corsair, Huey, Tutor, Fleet Finch and the first ever Cana- dian appearance of the Fighter Es- cort Wings two-thirds scale P-51 Nlustang. May 27 is a big day as that has been dubbed education day and over 2,000 students are expected to come to the airport and not only view the aircraft but the up to 200 displays from model airplanes to Canadian Warplane Heritage. "I hada call from one of the Lon- don schools, the word is getting out. There's no charge for the kids that day," said Lawson. The hundreds of volunteers who will be taking care of the show could be working with a tight bud- get. "We don't know where we'tc go- ing to end up with corporate spon- sorship and advertising revenue," said lan McIntosh. "This was not unexpected. Things like giveaways should be kept to a minimum." The bulk of the revenue to cover the expenses is expected to come from the sale of the passport hut - tons which are $10 for adults and children from six to 12, S5. That button will get spectators unlimited admission to the air shows, displays at the Centralia Airport, shuttle bus service, enter- tainment and fireworks. One of the biggest concerns seems to be parking and it appears as though the committee has a solid hold on that. "The MTO (Ministry of Trans- portation) is pleased with the plan. We have approval from them," said Bill Uniac. "We could use addition- al parking sites. We're at a parking count of about 9,000." Two years ago Grand Bend host- ed an air show which drew 25,000 and at least four times that mBAj, are expected later this month. Tickets on sale for concert EXETER - Canadian country mu- sic stars, Cassandra Vasik and Jim Witter, will be appearing at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter on May 28 for a benefit con- cert for the Canadian Mental Health Association. Sponsored by the Huron County office of the CMHA, organizers say they expect the Exeter and Gode- rich concerts to both sell out. Tick- ets went on sale this week, and are available at the Recreation Centre, Exeter Variety, and at Murphy's. Special rates for groups of 20 or more are being offered. For more information, call 482-93 11. A record number of budding anglers, over 270 in all, registered for the tenth annual Lions/ ABCA fishing derby at Morrison Dam on Saturday. Top winners at Saturday's fishing derby were Chad Dalrymple, who caught the largest trout at 15.75 inches, and Brayden Wragg, who won the trophy for being the youngest angler to catch a trout. From left are Lions Club representative Mel Gaiser presenting the Gaiser Kneale tro- phy to Mark Wragg, Brayden's father, and Chad Dalrymple receiving the RSD Sport Den trophy from Peter Darbishire, a director of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation. ..441 I I I 1,41 III 'Si Nit