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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1997-10-29, Page 8Times -Advocate, October 29, 1997 TOWN OF EXETER QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR AND COUNCIL - QUESTION #T" With regard to the economic feasibility of amalgama- tion, indicate your views on a one -tier versus a two-tier system. Further, do you believe that should Exeter pro- ceed with amalgamation the new system should Include Integration of the political and service delivery functions or just service delivery functions? Why? % HOOGENBOOM, Ben When 1 reflect hack on our amal- gamation talks, our neighbours did not support a one -tier system. Exeter . wanted to at least look at both options. 1 would not like to see the lower tier Icvcl of governance eliminated. 1 believe there would be savings. At ' this time council has taken a wait and see attitude on amalgamation as 'there arc still some major unknowns (Farm tax rebates) that must be clari- fied by the Minister of Municipal Affairs before informed decisions can he reached. Council will continue to work in the best interests of the Exeter ratepayers. )✓' SHAW, Bruce- The usual notion of a one -tier gov- crntnent is county or regional. I suggest that one -tier could also mean a larger local government arca and no county (in this cast) government. For instance. Huron County could become three or four 'one -tier' govern- ments with each 'local' contracting with the others (or similar locals from other former counties) for common services, such as highways, Homes for the Aged, welfare and any other services that would be difficult to provide locally. The obvious savings i've stated elsewhere: Senior administration, buildings, politicians and rationalization of services. We should proceed with amalgamation provided that unfair costs aren't loaded onto the resi- dents of Exeter such as the Farm Tax Rebate and township policing. At the very least. however. we should be talking with our neighbours with the aim of sharing services where possible. TRIEBNER, Roy This is a very diverse and complex . subject requiring a great deal of analysis, however, the following provides an overview of my thoughts on the issue at this point in time: If you are referring to a one -tier system at the County level, then i am opposed on the basis that; a) political representation is too far removed from the citi- zens of Exeter. and h) the scale of Rural/Urban differences resulting from it County wide amalgamation would be a constant source of irritation given all of its attendant problems. On the other hand, 1 favour a one -tier government at the heal level whether it he Exeter alone or by way of an amalgamation with Exeter's immediate neighbours. Through time. munici- . pal amalgamations will force changes to the upper -tier County structure thus reducing over -governance and duplication of services..Whcther this will eliminate the two-tier system entirely only time will tell, but change it will. Under a small scale amalgamation scenario, 1 would prefer full inte- gration of the political and service delivery functions to achieve maximum efficiency and cost savings. Despite this. l recognize the difficulties asso- ciated with atnalgamation negotiations and in the name of compromise, 1 could live with service delivery only as the first phase of full integration. • . Something may be better than nothing. % URLIN, Dave We have to, as a Town hoping to survive in the future, amalgamate with our neighbours. whether it he a one or two tier system. I think one tier would he best for Exeter. Exeter could buy services from the County of Huron, Middlesex, Lambeth or the City of London. whichever had the hest price and service delivery. ,# ARMSTRONG, Peter The one tier government of Huron County I feel will never change. It is there to supply all functions to all communities. large or small, urban or rural. The two tier system allows Mose communities with some of the facilities to self govern to do so. I feel this gives them a feeling of personal accomplishment and keeps them a strong single unit. Economically the tier system will be determined by the partnership of the amalgamated bodies. Who has what, and what systems have to he realigned. will determine economic success. The delivery of service functions through amalgamation is where 1 feel the over lap, and dollars, must be saved. This will be services from clerical to works depart- ments. The political end. although one might down size, can stay with each area. This would give each participant their own feeling of self gov- ernment. with one member from each arca on the "official Board." . DRUMMOND, Robert A toughie. I assume by two tier you mean county -municipality. A lot would depend on the size of amalga- mation. If it is a small group. say 3 - 5 municipalities (new municipality within county) then two tier is necessary. Thc new -municipality would not have a large enough population to afford start-up or operating costs for presently county provided services. eg. health unit. A larger amalgamation may be able to. But larger is not always more efficient in service delivery. • Example. About three years ago the county changed its fees for planning. functions. Many of these fees are 25% to almost 100% higher than Exeter charges. Also if one tier, Exeter may have difficulty accepting a decision to replace a bridge in another section of the county instead of a new storm sewer in Exeter. If Exeter proceeds with an amalgamation both political and service delivery must be amalgamated. A service deliverycan not work for two bosses. HOGAN, Joe i question the economic feasibility of amalgamation if, in ten years, it means a larger government with fewer politicians doing more work for higher pay with an administrative staff of experts and assistants to serve them. You would also need a large work force and modern equipment to serve this expanded arca. I reject a one -tier System such as the one imposed on Kent County. I see the need for a • county government to look after such things as major roads and social services, especially since some are being down loaded by the Harris gov- ernment. There is still a need for a more Iocal.government, closer to the. people. to reflect the specific needs of our community. As for the second part of your question, amalgamation to me means a larger political union from which service delivery functions would have to come, otherwise why have a larger area if it is doing nothing. The existing local governments could cooperate more in sharing and providing services, but this would not be a political amalgamation. At this time, I believe the existing municipal framework is preferable since the services are more apt to be met and in a shorter time frame. Are people representing townships going to get excited about our concern for street cleaning, sidewalk maintenance, snow removal, bulk pick-ups, leaf pick-ups or a sewer back-up? OKE, Tom In theory a one tier system would make.more economic sense, but it has to be proven through a study before a solid decision can be made. i would say practical service delivery could be beneficial but, the political delivery will have to go into deeper discus- sion in order to have a smooth transition if there is one. t ROBERTSON, George With regards to amalgamation 1 am in favour of a one -tier system. This gives the Municipal Government more control over the tax dollar, where and how to spend it. Control being the key word. With a two-tier system some services are supplied by the local council while other services come from the county or regional govern- ment. There is very little control over spending by the local municipality. Exeter should proceed with amalgamation that integrates service delivery functions. To combine services with other municipalities would be to make 100% use of manpower and purchasing power. TRAQUAIR, Dan At this point in time 1 think it is kind of an unfair question because no one knows the perimeters of both systems at this time or how they will function. I am committed to protect Exeter's best interests in the delivery of services..WHY. To enable us to look after the needs of the citizens of Exeter. Of HOOGENBOOM, Ben Yes, I would support allocating puhlic funds to he matched with private funds raised to buy playground equipment. We did so with the business community when the 406 Main St. property was bought. We pay the crossing guard at Main Si. and Victoria St. and provide recreational programs, underwriting some of the cost through taxation. 0 SHAW, Bruce The municipality should never look at recreation programmes or safety for children on a cost -recovery basis; they should he looked at in the same way as roads and sidewalks - they will cost money. If occasions arise when the municipality cannot afford special projects, local citizens and businesses should be tapped to help cover costs; the hest example in the last 25 years is the new recreation cen- tre - a special project. which the'i'own could not afford, was built with donations (and a sizable government grant from Wintario). 0 TRIEBNER, Roy 1 would hope that the basic needs of our children, in the areas you speak of, can he met through the alloca- tion of puhlic funds. Where a service beyond the basic need is deemed desirable then a partnership arrangement with the private sector may he appropriate. I would encourage the private sector to pursue this suggestion with Council. URLIN, Dave i have been on the South Huron Recreation & Community Centre Board for 10 years now and we need some new members. The Board looks after the Recreation Programming and Playground for the whole of Exeter not just one park. Thc Board oper- ates with a grant of approximately $150,000.00 from the Town of Exeter and neighbouring townships. All other monies are raised through fees and donations. The South Huron Recreation Centre budget is approximately $450.000.00. The Board is a dedicated group of people who give their time and expertise to the betterment of children in Exeter and arca. If any group outside the Board wishes to state a needfor ret programming anywhere in Exeter, the meetings arc open to thc puhlic. I have and will stand for Recreation in the Town of Exctcr. It is something we cannot do without. ARMSTRONG, Peter In the town budget 1 would expect to sec, and wish to see, dollars that have been allocated for playgrounds and children's areas. I expect they are there now, but channeled through the Rec. Board, Parks, :Ind minor sports. if some organization wished to pursue a co-op project, then it should be hrought forth at the first of the year to he budgeted for. As for safer crosswalks, we already have two that don't work. Let's get them working first. Call YOUR town hall and coin- plain. It's your right. DRUMMOND, Robert About three years ago I pushed for new equipment at Victoria Park and elsewhere. This was not put in the budget (money was too tight due to town hall project). Improvements to playgrounds and equipment is needed. They would keep thc children at - play in safer areas and could be an attraction to non-residents (may provide spin-off dollars). As for recreational programming, I was raised on "if you can not pay, you don't play," so 1 feel that recreational programs must be fully user pay and that any municipally provided facility should not oper- ate at a deficit. of HOGAN, Joe I see a continual requirement for public funds allottedto recreational needs. The participants;should be expected to pay an entry fee as they do now. As for other specific capital items, I would welcome private funds if they were available. For Victoria - Park i think the Council should give some financial incentive to start a renewal, however.there are limitations there because of the park's smaller size and a busy Huron Street. • OKE, Tom 1 would support public funds for community needs but, I would encourage private funds to the fullest extent. Also I would consider the 'up keep' costs that are going to be in the future for equipment and programs. f ROBERTSON, George . I agree that public funds go toward the safety of our children i.e. crosswalks. I do not agree that public funds should go towards financing playground equipment. As for recreational programs.I think Exeter is doing a good job at that now. Tax dollars are used to maintain playgrounds through maintenance, lighting, policing and repairs. • TRAQUAIR, Dan i would be in favour of allocating Public funds matched with private funds to benefit children providing it concerns all children and citizens of Exeter. QUESTION #2 Where do you stand on allocating public funds to be matched with private funds In order to finance pro- , grams to benefit children? Examples of needs as we see them Include playground equipment at Victoria ' Park, safer crosswalks and recreational programming.', QUESTION #3 Where do you stand on heritage preservation, under- standing that we deflne heritage as including buildings, history, artifacts and Exeter's ancestors? % HOOGENBOOM, Ben My record clearly supports the preservation of our heritage, artifacts and buildings. In 1974, I was the only member of council to vote against the possible demolition of our town hall. In 1994, i voted against the original civic corner plans that could have, led to the elimination of our historic library.building. As a charter member of the Exeter Heritage Foundation, I did my best to keep our railway station in Exeter. i SHAW, Bruce Our future has no meaning unless we have a past that is always present. I know that notion is not always popular especially, ironically. with many Senior citizens who, being raised in the Depression, are genuinely afraid of 'wasting' dollars. Preserving our heritage (in all forms) gives us our identity. No one'who has traveled to Europe can return without a greater appreciation for history and our own cultural past. - �' TRIEBNER, Roy I think most people would agree that the preservation of our heritage is important, but it should also be rec- ognized that it is very expensive. Apart from the use of public funds for the preservation of public buildings of historical significance and the manage- ment of puhlic museums, 1 believe the private sector will be called -on to do more in this arca. As with othcr"soft services, it is a question of finding a reasonable balance in terms of the allocation of limited public funds. URLiN, Dave The Heritage preservation is'a tough one. Where do you draw the line? We need to preserve whatever we can from our past, whether it be building history, artifactand ancestor. I think Exeter Council has done that in the past and will continue in the future. The old Town Hall is a prime example of the past and future. The displaying of the portraits in the building of past ancestors is preserving the past. I ARMSTRONG, Peter Heritage preservation is important. I, as a councillor, would have to tie a dollar amount to the extent of the restoring of old buildings. As for artifacts, pictures, etc. they should be properly displayed where they can be appreciated by all, and not left in boxes and closets. - %' DRUMMOND, Robert While heritage preservation is desirable we cannot go at it at the expense of basic services nor should we go into debt to pay for it. Public funds should be used to provide services for the good of the majority of its citizens, not provide something (physical or intangible) that only a few use; or are expected by. % HOGAN, Joe 1 certainly support heritage preser- vation, although this is going to be more difficult given the declining pro- vincial grants, if any, for this work. Perhaps with a renovated library, a museum room and/or archives room could be included. % OKE, Tom 1 believe in preserving history but, the interest has to be there, plus any preservation should be carefully selected. This is an excellent chance for local residents to participate, such as donation funds, equipment and their time. O ROBERTSON, George I stand behind heritage preserva- tion. For our children to have a strong future, they must know of and respect their past. We should all work toward one common goal on this issue. One of my concerns on this issue is that for public safety there are things that need to be replaced or renewed. O TRAQUAIR, Dan I believe heritage preservation is an integral part of everyone's life, although the majority ,f people show no concern until later on in years. 1 don't believe in spending astronomical public funds on such. QUESTION #4 Are you willing to stand behind Council decisions regardless of your personal views? HOOGENBOOM, Ben Decisions should be based on facts and always have the best interests of the community at heart. Having reached a decision this way, personal viewpoints must be set aside and council must speak • voice. % SHAW, Bruce Of course! My view is that the Mayor's primary function is the spokesperson for Council. if the issue is so large, or the gulf too great between the Mayor and Council, the Mayor can no longer speak for Council and must resign. On more minor conflicts, he or she must remain publicly silent (although argue, like the Devil, behind closed doors). No one in public Vffice should embarrass either council or the community. )/' TRIEBNER, Roy it is absolutely imperative that all members of Council support the final decision of Council. Otherwise the • effectiveness and credibility of Council is seriously undermined. Our democratic system at the local level allows sufficient time to debate an issue during which all members of Council have input opportunity. The business of managing Town affairs must continue uninterrupted and that means thc majority rules. URLIN, Dave i am elected to the Council of Exeter. Council is of one body. For Council to be successful in the future, • it has to speak united. I am willing to stand behind a Council decision, whether my personal views arc the same or not. O ARMSTRONG, Peter Once the decision has been made then that's it. Yes, I can honour council's decision as a whole. What i will not do is lie to hide the way I voted. The meetings are open to the public and the voting most certainly is, so a person's opinion is already known to the general puhlic. O DRUMMOND, Robert Yes: A council decision is made by the majority. If you arc going to throw a tantrum because you not get your own way you have no place in the group decision making process. if • you cannot accept that, you and your football should stay at home. O HOGAN, Joe Yes, provided that I had adequate • notification and time to debate the issue. An exception might be a case involving a Council decision that was clearly discriminatory. of OKE, Tom Of course I would stand behind council decisions. We are suppose to work together to come up with an appropriate decision. O ROBERTSON, George I am willing to stand behind Council decisions. I do not feel that one's personal views should interfere with what is right for the community. O TRAQUAIR, Dan After asking all the hows, whys, whens and whores and weighing all the pros and cons I find my personal • views are entirely out of character, I would accept the best decision of the majority. QUESTION #5 How do you plan to seek public input on major Issues? HOOGENBOOM, Ben I believe council has a moral obli- gation to listen to our ratepaye(s concerns. My many years on council has made me realize how important their input is. Most major issues require a public meeting and, of course, council meetings are open to all ratepayers. SHAW, Bruce In the past. we've held public meetings when contentious issues arose, but, in general, only those who . feared being adversely affected appeared at the meetings. The excellent questions asked by the public during the last few weeks suggest more could be done through the TA to gather input. We could also have the folks in the coffee shops submit their observations and comments in writing. TRIEBNER, Roy The question of public input has been a concern of mine for some time. During the past 3 years, I have seen first hand the public apathy towards the affairs of Council. Council ses- sions are seldom attended by the public. The two public meetings held in regard to the water and sewage expansion plans. representing an expendi- ture level of several million dollars. were attended by a total of 3 people. In an effort to keep the citizens of Exeter informed about Council issues,.l suggested the use of a Civic Corner in the Times Advocate which vias recently approved by Council. This is not enough and I intend to discuss the possibility of holding Town Hall type meetings with the new Council. These meetings would be designed to allow for open two-way discussion. • URLIN, Dave The public has many ways for input on any major issue. The Council at a great expense is elected to do the best job possible with the information that they have. The public is free to come to any Council meeting and be heard on any issue. Three years ago a Council member pressed hard for an open budget session for the public and Council to go over the 1995 budget. Council advertised in the Times Advocate and had staff to explain the details. A great deal of staff time went into preparing for this session. Two or three people showed up with no questions from the gallery. O ARMSTRONG, Peter The only media source that gets to the maximum amount of citizens in Exeter is the paper. From this a meet- ing can be called at any time. The bigger question is --- ON MAJOR ISSUES --- does the public need to know, and how much. if this guy gets on board, 1 will push that as much as possible is PUBLIC and not hidden 'in camera' away from you, the taxpayers. O DRUMMOND, Robert . Some will come from the candi- • dates meeting on October 29. I will talk to the people on the street, coffee shop, grocery stores, etc. But I have a full time job so I don't have the timi to go door knocking at every house in Exeter. If people have a question or concern, they may call me at 235-3826, but because of job, council and other activities it is best to call between 5 and 7 PM or leave a note at the town office. 0 HOGAN, Joe I would hope that people would let me know their views. Failing that, l would phone some people to get their position. If the issue is really controversial and/or revolutionary, i would support a public meeting so that the pros and cons of the topic could be presented and the public could give their comments. We should also remind people that there is a public seating area in the Council Chambers. While the meetings wouldn't be as exciting as 'question period', it would - be one way to spend a Monday evening. I hope the T A continues to be at. all Council meetings and reports on the main topics. O OKE, Tom First, 1 would have major issues printed in the local papers and possibly flyers sent out to the ratepayers. Second 1 would like to see more people at council meetings, also my phone number is in the phone book. 1 believe that a councillor can only be as effective as the feedback from the taxpayers. O ROBERTSON, George I will have an open door policy. i will find out from the people what their thoughts and concerns are and be available to meet with individuals or groups for discussion. t TRAQUAIR, Dan My doors and mind will always IN open to the public. 1 would encourage interested people to attend Council meetings. For major issues 1 would seek a wide range of Public opinions for input.