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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 1981-03-26, Page 1Group wants course back again CAGE, the recently formed Citizens Action Group for Education has two top priorities. At their second meeting on March 23, CAGE decided that their im- mediate concerns are to create a strong or : nization through increased mem- bership and to meet with the Huron County Board of Education in an attempt to have the board reconsider their recent decision to close the machine' shop course at Central Huron Secondary School (CHSS). CAGE was formed earlier this month in Clinton when over 70 conerned citizens and parents met to discuss the future of education in the county. At their most recent meeting CAGE again discussed their objectives and chairman Moira Couper of Bayfield noted that the organization and its committees aim to study education needs in Huron County and monitor action which is taken to reduce the standards of education. The group also plans to research and obtain information in an attempt to have the machine shop course re -opened at CUSS. CAGE supports a well rounded student education program in the county and, according to Mrs. Couper, they are en- couraging co-operation between elected officials of the board- of education, teachers, students and parents to plan for future changes. In order to make CAGE an active and worthwhile organization, more public support is needed and Mary Hearn of Clinton has been named as the mem- bership committee convenor. She will be working with other CAGE committee convenors Archie Couper of Bayfield, for information and research; Brenda Whyte of Seaforth., for publicity; Bill Hearn of Clinton, for industrial and social relations; Bill Schoonderwoerd of Clinton, for fund raising and Mrs. Couper for political ac- tion. Each committee will be covering one facet of education needs and concerns, and their progress will be reported at CAGE's next meeting on Monday, April 6. The meeting starts at 7:30 pm, and will be held in the downstairs room at the ministry of agriculture building on King Street in Clinton. All persons interested in the present state and the future of education are invited to attend, and more information of CAGE can be obtained by calling Marg Coventry at 482-3508 or Mary Hearn at 482-3893. 116th year —No. 12 Thursday, March 26, 1981 Riddell calls to fourth election win Huron -Middlesex Liberal MPP, Jack Riddell, won his fourth straight election to the Legislature Thursday and shared the victory 41th his mother Dorothy in Well, finally the b.s. is all over for another four years, the hot air is gone, and Bill Davis can now have those two weddings in his family, secure that no election foolishness will interfer. There were no surprises, either at the provincial level or locally. Everything happened just about as this agent had expected, except Davis got his. majority, not the minority as we had predicted. Anyway, it's all over, and if you're one of those four out of 10 people who didn't vote, remember, we don't want to hear any complaining. + + + Now onto other things. Gee, aren't the kids lucky? For their week off school they are getting the best weather in what seems like six months, and by the time they get back into school we'll nearly be into April. The Crackles are nesting in our hedge once again, and that means spring is truly here. They even have part of a nest built, and in a few weeks, their young'ins will be waking us promptly at 5:30 am. The Fitzgerald young'ins get up at about the same time now, so Lois and I won't be able to blame the birds for our early rising. There's nothing like a rerun of Bewitchedat6 in the morning. Which brings me again to asking that perennial question: why don't we go on Daylight Saving Time on the first of April instead of the end. It would make a lot more sense than having it drag on into late October. We should have a referendum on the matter, like they do down in the United States where they vote for everything from dog catcher to lowering taxes. That way, we wouldn't get things rammed down our throats. Like, does anybody remember voting to change to the metric system? Or bring home.the constitution? + + + Thank goodness the street sweeper finally made the rounds on the main streets this week, or else half of the town would have died from pneumoconiosis from breathing all that dust. The dust was caused from an ex- cessive build-up of sand spread on the highways by the ministry of tran- sportatidn this winter during icy spells. "They must get paid by how many loads they can dump in a set time, rather than by how much ice is on the roads," the Main Street Wit 'om- Exeter. Riddell recorded a 2,000 vote majority over Conservative candidate Jim Britnell. T -A photo by jim fitzgerald mented this week, after noting the almost total absence of sandy residue on Seaforth and Mitchell streets. + + + Normally, I don't like to mix my private life with my professional( ? )life, but a bad turn of events has led me to do some self promotion. If you happen to read this paper before 8 pm Wednesday night, then you still have time to slip over to the Clinton town hall and hear and see my modest lecture on vegetable gardening. You see, they left my ad out of the paper last week, and I'm afraid many people will not think to show up. And you thought I had pull with the local rag, hall! + + + It all reminded the Main Street Wit of Murphy's Law and all it corollaries one of which states that anything that can go wrong, will. Here are a couple .of others that you've all heard aridthtely experienced at some time: +For the editor, "Friends come and go, but enemies accumulate." +For the homemaker, "The chance of a piece of bread falling with the but- tered side down is directly proportional to the cost of the carpet." +For those lining up at the super- market checkout, "The other line always moves faster." +For the Local farmer trying to get a loan, "In order to get a loan, you must first prove you don't need it." +For councils trying to fix old buildings, "Anything you try to fix will take longer and cost more than you thought." +For the politician, "If you try to please everybody, nobody will like it." +For the shopper, "No matter how long or hard you shop for an item, after you've bought it, it will be on sale somewhere cheaper." +For the home handyman, "Any tool dropped while repairing the car will roll underneath to the exact centre." Or "If it jams - force it. If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway." For the local straight lacers, "Anything good in life is either illegal, immoral or fattening." +For my boss, "When in doubt, mumble. When in trouble, delegate." +And for all the local drunks, "Everybody should believe in something, and I beleive I'll have another drink." A Conservative majority government will not serve the people of Ontario as effectively as a minority, Huron -Middlesex Liberal MPP Jack Riddell said in a post-election interview. Riddell, a 49 year-old farmer, was -elected' -to his fourth term of office since winning a riding byelection in 1973, but the victory was tempered somewhat by the Conservative 70 -seat majority win ending six years of minority government. "It is disappointing that we're going into a majority situation because now the Conservatives can bulldoze policy," he said. "Minority government was effective and the people were happy. It provided effective checks and balances in government." The Liberals failed to make any gains in the election and will again send 34 members to the Legislature. The Conservative strength was evident in Huron -Middlesex as well with Tory candidate Jim Britnell cutting Riddell's majority to just 2,000 votes. In 1977 the Liberal majority in the riding was close to 4,000. Riddell attributed the close race to complacency within the party organization and among voters. "There was just too much complacency among the voters ana irom.the first day of the campaign people were saying there was no need to worry," he said. "We may have lost 2,000 votes because the supporters didn't get out and perhaps the organization could have made a greater effort. We had an excellent campaign and the organization worked hard but perhaps we needed just a bit more." Britnell topped the polls in Goderich and made some gains in the Clinton area. Riddell attributed those gains to the Conservative advertising campaign and the fact that it was his opponent's home turf. "Jim has lived in Goderich for over 20 years and you . have to expect he would do. well there," Jack said. "But we wouldn't have spent half the money the Tories did during the campaign. We did not spend any money on radio or television and are pleased with the vote considering that limited exposure." _In_c mmenting on the- Conser-vative:majority win, _. Riddell conceded that the public voted on leadership and could not accept Stuart Smith or Michael Cassidy in that role. "I think the vote reflected a leadership vote and the treteltas for 'Dt1vi ', * he sal" "The Tories were . running ahead in the, polls •and the people were prepared to accept Davis as leader and not Smith or Cassidy." Smith's failure' to generate interest in the Liberal philosophy may lead to a leadership review, a move Riddell contends will be left up to the party leader. "Stuart will take the initiative on the leadership question. I admire the man for his courage, leader- ship and intelligence," he said. "He would be prepared to ask the party about his leadership. He is just that kind of man." • The Huron -Middlesex Liberal Association has learned from this election, and the lesson is that nothing can be taken for granted. Riddell insiststhat each election will take more work and is convinced that personal contact, although a tedious chore in a Narrowly wins large riding, is the best approach. The Legislature will not reconvene until after Easter and the Liberals will again assume the role of opposition. But against a majority government the Halesof-the varne-havechanged — "We will still be the official opposition and we will criticize when necessary and introduce private member's bills when necessary," Riddell said. "We will continue to operate for the people as we have done in the past." Elston holds H -B seat BY HENRY HESS It was nip and tuck, but in the end Murray Elston accomplished what he had set out to do: keep the Huron -Bruce riding in the Liberal fold. He overcame a strong challenge from Conservative Gary Harron, in a race which saw the lead change hands several times, to win the seat by 224 votes, 12,164 to 11,940. NDP candidate Tony McQuail polled 1,979 votes. It was a tense night for Liberals in this riding, grown accustomed to watching Murray Gaunt sweep to victory with margins approaching 10,000 votes. However they were happy to see their candidate win in the face of a strong Conservative tide across the province. Mr. Gaunt, who had stewed down at the start of the campaign explaining he wants to spend more time with his family, showed the strain as much as anyone, having campaigned hard for his successor. 'That was too close for comfort!', he declared as he arrived at the Teeswater Community Centre for the Liberal victory celebration. He called the race 'a real nail -biter', recalling that one of his own early 'elec- tions was even loser. He assured Mr. Elston this was the important one however .novk_he.has _four .years, to_work.hard before his next campaign. He promised to help his young successor in any way he can, offering to take him down to Queen's Park, `and introduce. you to all. those good Tories down theft':' ir. • . Mr. Elston arrived later, having watched' the rim unfold from his headquarters in Wingham, and he appeared tired but clearly happy with his success. `Thanks from the bottom of my heart to each and every one of you,' he told the cheering crowd. `I should be standing up here applauding you.' He thanked all his campaign workers, paying a special tribute to Mr. Gaunt, whose contribution he described as `tremendous', and promised he will continue working hard for the next four years. `The whole riding of Huron -Bruce will be my home,' he pledged. 'I'll work as hard as possible for everyone.' Although Mr. Elston's campaign manager, Terry Merkley, had predicted two days before the election the outcome would be decided by fewer than. 1,000 votes, the closeness of the race appeared to take many Liberals by surprise. As the evening wore on, small groups of supporters Turn to page 3 • Murray Elston. Tuckersrnith seeks answers to sewage costs • By Alice Gibb Tuckersmith council tried again last week to find out why cost overruns are continuing to plague the Ministry of Environment's operation of the yanastra water and sewage systems. Dick Brown, manager of utility operations, southwestern region, from the ministry's London office, attended the meeting to try and explain budget under- estimates, as requested in a letter from council. The 1981-82 budget for the Vanastra system is $99,400 but the town- ship will have to pay the ministry $113,000 when last year's deficit is added. Mr. Brown defended the overruns saying inflation has consistently been "more than we estimated" when Vanastra's annual budgets were drawn up. Councillor John Brownridge said he didn't think inflation fully explains what has happened ( with the over -budgeting) in the past few years. Reeve Bob Bell told the ministry official Tuckersmith council has asked for an explanation for several years. and "hasn't been getting it." When Mr. Brown asked council to what degree the budget was over, clerk Jack McLachlan told him the system was 20 to 25 per cent over budget. Mr. Brown was then questioned by councillors on some budget custs For the first time in 16 years, the Clinton Kinsmen will be represented at the Zone level, as Jim Burkhart of the local club was recently elected deputy -governor of Zone K, which includes eight clubs. Mr. Burkhart, who has been a director on the (coal club for three years, works at the Clinton Bank of Montreal Branch. (James Fitzgerald photo) suggested by council members in the 1981 budget proposed by the ministry's financial planner Mark Bell. When asked about reducing the number of casual staff -summer students usually employed to do odd jobs - Mr. Brown told councillors the treatment plant would normally have one fulltime employee while the sewage and water distribution system, usually hired two staff members. He said the system's two employees is an understaffing situation. Mr. Brown said if council did recommend cuts in casual help, "there will likely be some things that won't be done." Councillors then questioned the travel expenses budgeted for 1981-82 for staff. Mr. Brown said some money could be cut in this area "since it does look a little high." However, he said all chief operators usually attend two or three regional Local police nab teenagers, solve 14 break & enters Clinton business owners and residents should rest easier this week with the news that the Clinton Police have solved 14 thefts and break and enters. Clinton Chief Lloyd Westlake reported that incidents involving seven break and enters, four thefts under $200, two stolen motor vehicles, and one theft over $200 have been solved. All the incidents occured between between February 3 and March 20. One juvenile and five male youths, from Clinton and Toronto have been charged. While no court date has been set for the juvenile, the other five will appear in Goderich provincial court on April 10. In other news. police reported that parts of Clinton were without water for up to half -an -hour on Sunday morning, March 22, following a single car crash. Police reported that a car, owned by Richard Welch, 25, of Clinton was travelling north on Albert Street when the driver fell asleep. the car left the road, and snapped off a fire hydrant. Damage to the car was set at $1.500.and another $1,500 to the PUC hydrant. A parked car owned by Boyes Transport of Clinton received $700 in damages following a March 19 accident at the Elm Haven Parking lot. A second vehicle driven by Ellen Mero, 29, of Clinton was not dama ged. conferences annually, as well as the province -wide conference, which will be held in Thunder Bay next year. He said, "We feel it is of benefit to the staff to attend these (conventions) ." Councillors then questioned the official on costs of replacing versus repairing a pick up truck and van used by employees. Mr. Brown read quotes from local com- panies on the xots of repairing the vehicles. Councillor Bob Broadfoot said council would rather spend money to buy a used vehicle and use the rest of the funds for upgrading the water and sewage system. Mr. Brown suggested council consider purchasing a used ambulance at a government auction to replace the van now used by the water system's em- ployees. Council also questioned the official on the possibility of pressure testing the Vanastra water system, Mr. Brown said most systems experience a leakage Of five per cent, and 10 to 15 per cent is common in older systems. Clerk Jack McLachlan pointed out the ' Vanastra system is averaging a 40 per cent water loss. Mr. Brown agreed, "It is high." Councillor John Brownridge asked Mr. Brown what would happen if the township took over the_sy,stem entirely from, the ministry. Mr. Brown said he believed the township would be required to take on the system's present staff at existing salaries. Reeve Bell asked, "Do we automatically take the staff with us?" Mr. Brown replied that was the case in most current agreements reached in similar situations, but Bob Bell said in his six years on council, he'd never heard the statement before that the staff went with the system. Mr. Brown told councillors he would have to have a legal opinion on the matter. When pressed again by Mr. Brownridge to comment on over -runs in the budget, Mr. Brown said while there had been under -budgeting for repairs necessary to the system," there hasn't been any money spent that I'm aware of that shouldn't have been Spent." The reeve complained while council doesn't get any statement Showing why money has been spent on the system "all Turn to page 3 • Barn destroyed, horse saved By Wilma Oke A McKillop Township farmer George McClure of RR 2 Seaforth, lost his frame barn to flames that broke out Sunday afAernoon around 3 p.m. Killed were 22 head of cattle and hay and straw were destroyed by the fire. A passing motorist alerted the family to the fire, and Mr. McClure, who was work- ing in a nearby pig barn, was able to rescue 12 sheep and 13 head of beef cattle before smoke and flames drove him back. Seaforth Fire Chief Harry Hak Said flames were shooting through the barn's roof when firemen arrived. He said the fire was probably caused by a spark from a tractor used that morning to move straw from the barn for use in the pig barn. Third Time Lucky, a registered stan- dard bred race horse valued at $5,000 which was housed in the barn, was believ- ed to be dead when it was seen through a window moving around in the northeast corner of the barn — almost two hours after the fire was discovered. Firemen with the assistance of the fami- ly 'and neighbours broke an opening into the lower barn cement wall and out came the horse. It was apparently in good shape except for a singed mane and tail. Also freed at this time were a cow and calf and two other animals. Several of the animals are being closely watched because of smoke inhalation. Several had to be destroyed because of smoke and burns. Weather 1981 1980 HI LO MARCH 17 —2 18 —4 19 —4 20 0 21 2 22 6 23 7 Snow 20 cm —13 —12 —13 —15 —17 —11 —6 HI LO 7 —2 1 —6 8 —3 12 1 6 —3 —2 — 5 0 —9 Rain 18.5 mm Snow 3 cm