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