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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1997-10-22, Page 2Page 2 Times -Advocate, October 22, i997 IN THF NEWS Regional wrap up Grey County restructuring go-ahead HANOVER - The towns of Hanover and Durham, the vil- lage of Neustadt, and the town- ships "of Normanby, Egremont and Bentinck have decided to. go ahead with Grey County's re- structuring "option three", stated the Saugeen City News. Option three would see the amalgamation of the six munici- palities. an is seen as.more of a compromised choice rather than a definite preference. among the elected municipalities. Fight .to keep tourism and rec. separate GODERiCH - Goderich coun- cil recently passed a motion to accept a "change in committee structures. lumping most com- mittees and boards into two agenda -packed committees. in- cluding the recreation board and' tourism committee, as stated in the Goderich Signal -Star. Both the recreation hoard and tie tourism committee consist of mostly public representatives. The change has sparked a fight to keep public representation on the hoard and committee and to separate tourism and recreation from mega -committees. Goderich may be renamed WAiLKERT4I - The Town of Walkerton won't Completelydis- appear into the new tentatively- named Township of Greenock, if amalgamation takes placed as Planned, as stated in the Walker- ton alkerton Herald -Times. Existing communities will continue to be signed separately after the municipality is formed. I It was discussed on what the new municipality should be named, and a joint committee of Walkerton. Brant and Greenock agreed to call the municipality al Township beclause of the Targe amount of rural area it will ser- vice. Suggestions to.call the new • municipality a town or a city were even made. It was said the municipality will probably be f officially named sometime in 1998. Accident claims 1. Wingham women WINGHAM - Two women women were killed in a car licci- dent Sunday. Oct. 12 at about 2 a.m. stated the Wingham Ad- vance -Times. Cheryl Allen. the driver of the car. and passenger Melissa Hare were! killed when their vehicle struck a hydro pole in Turnberry Township. The vehicle lost con- trol on loose gravel. went into the left ditch and hit the hydro pole with its roof. • Mount Forest asks to remain a separate status quo MOUNT FOREST - Mount Forest council has recommended the town be allowed to stay a separate status quo instead of amalgamating, said the Mount Forest Confederate. A facilitator's report commis- sioned by Wellington County. has suggested Mount Forest amalgamate with the Village of Arthur, Arthur Township, West Luther Township and portions of Peel and West Garafraxa Townships. Council agreed to ask that Mount Forest be allowed to re- main status quo, as part of Well- ington County, with the option of negotiating with Egremont and Normanby to amalgamate with. or annex part of the Grey County townships: Cast your vote November 10 in the Exeter election • Continued from front page lead the town into a questionable di- rection. I. will be raising that point in my speech (at the October 29 All Candidates Meeting)." In amalgamation talks, people will be needed who will speak out, according to Armstrong. "I'm in favor of amalgamation hut we must look at existing costs and policy to see in what extent we need to go into amalgamation so that we don't go too deep with more town- ships or towns than what's really re- quired to fulfil our purpose," he said. '"lite PUC will be an issue and I'm still very open-minded on that. There are items within the Oweson report (on the internal restructuring of the town) that I don't consider to be in the town's best interest," He says Exeter is a very friendly, sociable town. He would like to see some new industry and believes there's room for new housing sub- divisions within Exeter but in- creased sewage treatment facilities are required before this can happen. "I put the treatment plant very high on the list before we can offer -the housing," explained Armstrong. According to Armstrong, there are two options. if people would like Exeter to stay small and quaint, but they don't want their taxes to in- crease, new tax dollars. are needed: That could include one new in- dustry or 25 new houses. - "It depends what the people want," concluded Armstrong. Robert Drummond is the only incumbent councillor seeking re- election. Drummond. -50. .has lived in Exeter since 1978, has two chil- dren and works at Accumold in Hu- ron Park. He has already served two terms on council. He is proud of his role on the fire board which was able to keep with- in its budget for the past three years, although he admits a great deal of credit must go to the fire chief in keeping • the p bud- get in line. When asked if anyone so we there have to tighten our belt." would Drummond I 1 have - : done differently during his 'term. Drummond said he was very frus- trlated with the amalgamation talks and wishes Exeter had been more assertive in the first year of the.dis- cussions. • • - In terms of issues facing the up- coming council, he •says provincial cutbacks and downloading will have -to be dealt with. "Although Queen's Park has lei .off the (amalgamation) pressure in the past year, we will probably find out much more two months aftet the municipal elections;" he said. 1 . According to Drummond. it's very important to protect Exeter's identity during amalgamation talks. "Internal restructuring is best if we can save the money we need to," he explained. If amalgamation with neighboring municipalities occurs, Drummond fears Exeter may lose out on its pri- "We can't download to , 1 was any - timing he orities. For example, a capital pro- ject such as a storm drain for Exet- er may not get priority if other members of the new municipality are in favor of supporting bridge construction instead. With respect to the downloading of responsibilities, he says mu- nicipalities are at the end of the line. The federal government downloaded to the province to bal- ance its hudget and now the prov- ince is downloading to municipal- ities to balance its budget. . "We can't download to anyone so we have to tighten our belt." he said. In paying for services, Drum- mond says Exeter needs to take a long look at the necessity of keep- ing services verses the options of dropping or reducing services. "We have to keep a sharp pencil and realize things cost money. If people don't want to • pay for it, they may lose it. Drummond realizes there will probably be many changes forced on Exeter over the next few years. "Exeter should become adapt- able. We'll have to accommodate hut we may complain like the dick- ens." • Joe Hogan doesn't have an axe to grind but feels he has something to contribute to the community as a councillor. • Hogan, 59, has lived in Exeter 32 years and is a retired school teach- er after teaching at South Huron Dist "Overall, they've rice Hig h Sch ool for 30 year s. eH invo Ived done a good job. But I'm concerned about what's going to happen with provincial downloading." Hogan with church work and the Hu- ron County Historical Society. He is married to Ruth and has three adult daughters. :-Since Hogan has. filed papers. he has attended Exeter council and committee of the whole meetings. "I've always had an interest in government and taught govern- ment for 35 years. Until now. I haven't had the time (to be on council)." Hogan says he doesn't have any beefs about the local government. "Overall. they've done a good job. But I'm concerned about what's going to happen with pro- vincial downloading," explained Hogan. He says we don't fully know the costs of downloading, but would hoPe services do not get cut blit is aware of the costs. "I don't like the idea of more user fees because that's just an- other tax. Although something like user fees in garbage collection was a good thing because it forced peo- ple to recycle and compost." • On the issue of municipal amal- gamation. Hogan says he is '(pretty open." . "I've read different things as they appeared in the paper. There's always the problem when you en - Targe something, it doesn't nec- essarily save money. Any places where municipalities can cooperate on some things, that might be one area to look at as a substitute to greater amalgamation." Hogan's vision for Exeter doesn't include any dramatic changes. He would like Exeter to attract small businesses and tourism but stresses Exeter would have to stay a safe community and recreation is in- creasingly important. He says as a retired person, he has the time it takes to be a coup= cillor. "I'm a good listener in the sense that I like to hear the different argu- ments and' thein make a decision and get on with it," conc'tided Ho- gan. Tom Oke, 28, is the ne.v kid on the block in the race for council and is looking to the future of Exet- er in running for council. "I'm interested in the future of Exeter for my kids and other kid's futures," said Oke, adding he hopes that other young people will get in- terested in Exeter council. - A lifelong resident of Usborne, Oke moved to Exeter three years ago. He is married to Deb and has two young daughters. "I've always been interested in politics and been on top of the is- sues both locally and provincially," said Oke, adding he has a moderate conservative view who believes in the stands of Newt Gingerich and Steve Forbes of the U.S. Oke is currently employed at McCann Redi-Mix Inca and with his family's farm in Ushorhe. He sees his rural background as a strength for -being on Exeter coun- cil. "While others speak :shout mend- ing the fences (with neighhonng municipalities). 1 believe we've got to tear down the tencey We're'go- ing to have to get along," explained Oke. That doesn't mean he's in favor' of amalgamation. "Exeter's got to worry , about themselves and so do the town- ships --I believe in. a separate_ goy,. ernment for the -town and•the.town- ship." Co- - operatio n be- tween municip alities could include the sell- ing of Exeter - services to- the townships such as water and hydro. Oke has no great objections to downloading by the province. "What's the difference if we pay Toronto or the local government? We're going to have to look after ourselves(" he said. Oke thinks Exeter is a "great .place to.live." His vision for Exeter includes a larger' town with more industry and businesses that can compete with London businesses. He admits this is a time of adjust- ment with downloading of re- sponsibilities and decreased trans- fer payments. I. "Exeter's got to worry about themselves and so do the townships." Oke "I want to make it easier for my Rummage sale money goes to hospital Auxiliary or Continued from front page people once every six months at the rummage sale." Armstrong said. An example is a group of women from Zurich that faithfully look af- ter a table at each sale. Shoppers come from throughout Huron and Middlesex Counties. Armstrong estimates the rum- mage sale has been going on for more than 20 years. It started off in the Exeter Legion, which it out- grew before moving to the old Ex- eter .arena, the recreation centre at Centralia College and now the South Huron Recreation Centre. The sale is facing competition from outside charities' and second- hand stores who collect and seil used clothing but Armstrong en- courages,people to remain true to the Auxiliary's sale. I "We want our hospital to be kept in Exeter. It's needed," she explained. The Auxiliary was concerned about what to do with any unsold items since the 'Salvation Army in London would no longer accept the articles but Armstrong said they have arranged for the articles to be picked up and "nothing will be thrown out." The rummage sale is a win-win situation for everyone. (People can find a home for unwanted items without adding to the landfill site. People are always happy with the bargains they get at the sale and our hospital raises . much needed funds. The sale is tonight from 7-9 p.m. and to- morrow from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with the auction at noon with Norm Whiting as the courtesy auctioneer. "We want our hospital to be kept in Exeter. It's needed." Losing a friend "1 know they'd done their best... Dear Editor: To those who have ever lost a pet - My Dearest Lithe Friend I got my dearest little friend, One bright November day, Just a small wee beagle pup, Who loved to romp and play. Through the years we had together. She was my dearest friend, So full of understanding, So faithful to the end I had taken her to thesvets. As she seemed to be in pain, I prayed and waited two days, And then the sad news came. They said she just could not live, And would have to be put to rest, But they were so understanding. 1 know they'd done their best. I know my Missy's sleeping. No more to be in pain. I loved you then, I love you now. Life here is just not the same. Dorothy Kirk, Hensel! kids. We've got to.get the bugs out of it," explained Oke. "I believe in common sense. The -majority of the older generation says we're to use our heads," he said. "I'm trying to get tot ball rolling to get younger people into mu- nicipal politics," concluded Oke. George Robertson believes his career of working with people will make him a good member of the Exeter council. He will be retiring from the Ontario Provincial Police in four months and looks forward to continuing his involvement with the community of Exeter. Robertson, 55, is currently a sen- ior constable with the OPP de- tachment in Exeter and was with Exeter's town police force for 26 years. "I'm used to the idea you work for people. As an elected official, it's okay to have your own opin- ions but you act on the opinions of the people who elected you." Although not involved with -any formal service clubs because of the time com mit men is of his care er, Rob erts on has been invo Ived with the community as a police of- ficer mcludingl bicycle safety ro- deos and community -oriented po- licing initiatives. • With respect to , downloading, Robertson says there needs to he strong People in place "so the gov- ernment 'doesn't download without a lot of thought." He predicts the next five years will be interesting as the govern- ment continues with the process of 'right sizing." re's doesn't believe _amalgamati)n_ kill_be the! 'solution 10 financial woes. On the contrary. - he e is' concerned consolidating mii- nici'palities usually ,leads to more spending, not less. "The bigg4 the' organization, the more difficult it is to control," said Robertson. "Money being spread around from 'Poorer municipalities .with richer muiticipaliti.es only looks lik? a savings is being made. If for example, you have a cential administration. a demand for a sat- ellite office occurs.' thereby in- creasing costs." "I ani not saying that an amal- gamation is a wrong move but you must be very careful. I never knew the government to do anything if not for their own benefit." "Everyone is feeling these •cost pains .and we must not forget that. as a town. we are not on an island. The neighbors around us are. for the most part. our friends and fami- ly and all must be given the right to have their say in whatever the outcome will be. (Ars a town we must be proud of what we have and the neighbors in the townships dare lust as proud of what they "As,an elected official, it's okay to have your own opinions but you act ori the opinions of the people who elected you. Robertson have," he explained.. Robertson says he has always loved Exeter and has a commitment to the town. He thinks the town should continue to grow which "gives a heartbeat," adding the heartbeat will slow down if the town doesn't grow. Exeter is for- tunate to have places like Nabisco and McDonalds Restaurant which provide employment for youth. He also supports the hospital. "Exeter is an excellent location. Why wouldn't you want to be in- volved? i've been involved for 30 years and I don't want to stop now," he concluded. Dan Traquair is one candidate who is willing to openly say he's a little -disappointed in the current council and wants to do something about it. "There are things that should be ,- brought out in the open," said Tra- quair. Traquair is a lifetime resident of the Exeter area except for 10 years when he worked for General IMO - tors in Oshawa. He is 160 -years -old. married to .Christine and has eight children. •1 He is now retired but worked as a steam fitter and I held supervisory • positions in constructliont including Ontario Hydro at Douglas Point i and Darlington. He is a member of the' Marnic Lodge in Exeter, an avid camper and was a member of the Usbome Township council in '.the late 70's and early 80's. "It is n "I think the and time has come desire for everybody to to come clean and • serve I the tart over witn! a people• , • fresh start." of 'Ex- Traquair , , eter in their I • best interests during tills new .phse�yf changes to Hite municipality, ' said Traquair. ' Traquair realizes new councilors •don't have a ,complete idea of -the implications of changes to' mu,- nicipalities introduced by the pro,r- ince. , "If eected, it would be nice Ito get in thereat the start and follow it through.. to geti a thorough knowl- edge' and understanding of the sys- tem and how it works Ind then take the route •that's the best interest of the people. With downloading and the unavailladility of provincial grants. it1's a great concern to the citizens of Exeter to hold the line." He admits the way thprovince dealt with the municipal re- structuring in Chatham/Kent in- ; dilcates amalgamation may be in- evitable • and dictated by the - province. • Traquair says he doesn't like the "quibbling" between the Town (of . Exeter) and the PUC. "I think the time -has come for everybody to come clean and start over.wtth a fresh start" Traquair would iike to see mpre industry in Exeter in order to re- duce unemployment in the area. "If wd could get some industry here it might create some jobs." r, For Experience, Dedication and Commitment i - RE-ELECT TOM TOMES as Deputy Reeve . - Your support would be appreciated Authorized by offiaal agent forrom Tomes mai - NOTICE . . •TOWNSHIPOF USBORNE MUNICIPAL ADDRESSING ROAD NAMES . Section 210 (111) of the Municipal Act., R.S.0: 1990 ' NOTICE is hereby given that Usborne Township council has renamed public roads in the Township of Usborne to. facilitate the county -wide municipal addressing system which is •required to be in place prior to implementation of the 9-1-1 Emergency Response .System for ambulance, fire and police services throughout the County of Huron. A Township map denoting 9-1-1 road names has been mailed to owners and tenants of land in the municipality. Additional information is available for inspection at the Usborne Township municipal office at Morrison Dam during regular office hours. . Council shall hear anyone who claims to be adversely affected by the changes and who submits written application for a hearing. Dated this 25th day of September, 1997 Sandra J. Strang, Clerk Township of Usborne