Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1985-11-06, Page 1124TH YEAR NO. 45 LECTION '85 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6,1985 Candidates express as our youth and by providing more apartments, this can be achieved." Mr. Balfour told ratepayers that he is concerned with the "bad attitude of people" in town. He emphasized, "We have a good town, a relaxed way of life and a healthy environment to live and work in and this should be retained and I believe it can be with the proper management, but some development is needed to help offset the certainty of taxes going right through the roof, which none of us wish to see.," Mr. Balfour said that he is concerned about the "efficiency level of our town in the areas of costs, .overlapping of manpower and effectiveness. "By this I do not infer that there now exists inefficiencies; but a streamlining or rearrangement of some areas may provide better services on a more cost-efficient basis to our residents." John Balfour and his wife operate a small business in Clinton. Also in the mayor's race is town councillor John Deeves. Mr. Deeves told ratepayers that his main concerns for the future development of Clinton were similar to those outlined by his challenger. Regarding housing and industrial development he said, "If we get industry here, we don't have houses." He noted that Clinton is "not altogether a failure (industrially)," citing the expansions at Fleming's Feed Mills and the piano factory as examples of progress being made. In reply to the questionnaire, Mr. Deeves said, "I chose to run for re-election because I've always been interested in municipal affairs and my experience might be a benefit to the town. My aims and aspirations are to work for the betterment of the town." Along with industrial and housing improvements, Mr. Deeves said there was a need for better street lighting and sidewalks. The focus of Mr: Deeves' questionnaire reply centered on his background. He was born in Goderich Township, educated in the township and graduated from the Clinton Collegiate . Institute. He By Shelley McPhee • CLINTON - Development - commercial, industrial and residential are the main issues facing the municipality in the future, according to the majority of candidates running in elections here. Fifteen candidates for mayor, reeve, deputy reeve and councillors presented their election platforms at an all -candidates meeting • held on October 30. Further municipal concerns, aims and ambitions were identified in a questionnaire prepared by the Clinton News -Record. MAYORALTY RACE John Balfour John Deeves John Balfour, one of the two men seeking the mayor's position, believes that Clinton is at a crossroads in its development. "Clinton is at a critical stage in its development and the next few years will be extremely crucial if our community is to go ahead and continue to grow and flourish." Mr. Balfour is vice chairman of the town's planning and advisory board and chairman of the industrial committee. Mr. Balfour said that he has recognized the need for development in the town. He emphasized that development would, not come through "smoke stack industries", but through the establishment of a variety of smaller ndustries.. Mr. Balfour said that industrial development will bring much needed employment for youth, "to at least give them the opportunity or choice of being able to stay here after graduation. Without retaining at least some of the younger members of our community, our future as a town will be seriously curtailed." He also sees the need • for residential development in Clinton. The lack of housing and apartments has led some residents to leave Clinton, he said. "They. cannot find adequate apartment units to move into when they wish to sell their homesand retire to an easier lifestyle. We need our seniors to stay in town as well 50 CENTS concerns took short courses in agriculture and helped organize the first Junior Farmers. He was president of the organization until WWII. "I belonged to the Middlesex Huron Light Infantry, went active in 1941, joined the first Canadian survey, took survey courses and went overseas as a forward observer for survey, served in England, North Africa, Sicily, Italy and the Western front. I was sent home on long service at the end of the war and was discharged in 1945 and was granted two years of university for training received in the army." In 1946 Mr. Deeves purchased a farm which he operated until 1957, then worked at the grain elevator in Hensall as a millwright. In 1947 he became president of the Federation of Agriculture for a two year term. In 1949 he was elected to Goderich Township Council, serving from 1949 - 1954. He was reeve from 1955-'58. He served on committees on county council and was chairman of the agriculture committee. Mr. Deeves has been a councillor in Clinton for the past three years. "I'm a chartered member of the 4-H Club leaders, formed in 1951. I served as club leader for 10 years and hold a Dominion Certificate. I joined the Canadian Legion in 1945 and served on the executive for over 30 years, past president, hold a certificate of Merit and life membrship. "I am also a past president of the Clinton fair board, first president of the Enterprising Seniors of Goderich Township and area and zone treasurer of the Zone 8 Senior Citizens of Huron County, a member of St. James Anglican Church and served as warden a number of years and as lay delegate for the Synod of Huron London for the past 30 years, also a member of the Brotherhood of Anglican Churchmen at St. Paul's Church, Clinton." TWO FOR REEVE Bee Cooke Frank Van Altena Two council members are running in the race for thereeve's position, Councillor Bee ,Turn to page Z As part of the Fall Festival of Arts to mark the anniversary of the acts arranged by students from the school. Here, Cheryl Bromley opening of the Clinton Town Hall, students from CHSS put on (left) and Deanna Bell bring rock and roll mayhem into the pro - Cabaret Nite on November 2. The event included many different gram as part of an air band. I AlanRivett photo) Council says no clinic for Joseph Street CLINTON - The proposed move of the yschiatric clinic to Joseph Street was urned down by council after hearing from neighboring residents for a second time. The clinic, presently located at 105 Shipley Street, will be torn down later this year when construction on a new medical centre is completed. The land which the clinic occupies will be used as a parking lot. Ken Engelstead, Administrator of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in 'Goderich which operates the clinic, felt the site on Joseph and Isaac Streets would be appropriate for the re -location. However, the property is zoned residential and those living in the area are opposed to re -zoning it. Mr. Engelstead presented his facts during a public meeting on October 21, but the residents were ndt satisfied. They were concerned about the possibility of other similar facilities being built on the property if it was re -zoned. Wayne Caldwell of the County o: Huron Department of Planning and Development, The one harrier Mr. Engelstead and the agreed to put a clause in the bylaw which clinic faced was time. They were looking at would only allow a clinic to be built in that re -locating by the end of the year and any location - "a one shot deal." After doing this, delay would make them abandon their copies were circulated to the residents and plans. their feelings were expressed at council's. It was for that reason council filed the November 4 meeting. issue. At this meeting, the residents once again explained that they are not opposed to the "More than one objection (to the• re - service, but feel the land should remain zoning) could lead to an OMB (Ontario residential. Municipal Board) hearing. In that event council will not proceed with plans because the hearing could be too time consuming," said Mayor Chester Archibald. "We just feel we're being squeezed in that corner of town. We already have a delicate balance between residential and commercial use," said Steve Cooke. A letter with 15 signatures was presented to council. It informed council that it is their intention, "as the immediate neighboring property owners and tenant§ of the lot in question, to make it known that we strongly object to any zoning change from the existing Rl classification." Warden Paul Steckle and his wife Kathy received an original oil painting entitled Autumn in the Laurentians. The annual warden's banquet was held on November 1. (Stephanie Levesque photo) The Steckler celebrate Councillor John Deeve, reiterated the mayor's statement, simpl ' saying, "time has run out." Councillor Charlie Burgess felt that,. "It isn't the right of council to go against the wishes of the ratepayers." The fate of the clinic is now undecided, but there has been talk of it leaving town, By Stephanie Levesque There were gracious accolades, toasts and greetings as elected and appointed of- ficials from across Huron County gathered in Goderich to attend the annual warden's banquet. • The end of year comments were made about Paul Steckle, reeve of Stanley Township, and the man who has served as Huron County warden during 1985. Hullett Reeve Tom Cunningham acted as master of ceremonies for the evening which concluded with a dance at the Goderich and District Memorial Commu ity Centre. The annual gift to the warden was presented this year, by Goderich Reeve Harry Worsell and Stephen Township Depu- ty Reeve Ralph Weber. E.ititled Autumn in the Laurentians, the northern landscape original oil painting was done by Berge A. Missakian of Montreal. Steckle's family, friends and neighbors were in attendance and so were some political colleagues. The provincial minister of health, Murray Elston, congratulated the warden on behalf of the other two members of parliament from Huron County. The provincial agriculture minister Jack Riddell was pre- sent at the banquet, but MP Murray Cardiff sent his regrets. Steckle is leaving municipal politics and is not seeking re-election in the November 12 municipal election. Three run for board of education seat By Shelley McPhee speech pathologists, counsellors, yet it CLINTON - TUCKERSMITH TWP. - In- seems totally another thing with the deci- cumbent Frank Falconer of RR 5, Clinton is sion on who should subsidize these pro - being challenged at the polls this year for a grams. In a rural area such as ours, these seat on the Huron County Board of Educa- programs are more expensive to imple- tion by Sally Rathwell of Clinton and Nico, ment." Peters of RR 4, Seaforth. Mrs. Rathwell said her experience in The elected trustee will represent Clinton education is based on her work as a mother, and Tuckersmith Townships on board of I've apprenticed in children." education for a three year term. Born, raised and educated in Goderich, Mr. Falconer has filled that position for shefurthered her education at Conestoga the past five years. His aim if re-elected is to College in Vanastra, graduatingwith an ex - "carry on the excellent education, we have g ecutive secretarial post secondary diploma. had in the past years." When asked .by•the News -Record what She has worked for seveal area business main• issues faced the education board; Mr.and is active;an her church. Hec hUfsband, Falconer responded, "All issues are impor Steve Rathwell, operates a small machine tant facing the school board." shop in Vanastra. He told Clinton ratepayers at an all - candidates' meeting that French immersion was one issue, but he noted that there was little interest in the program, except in' Goderich. He said that better grants are ' needed from the province to make French immersion work. Trustee will serve on board for a three year term He further noted, "Separate school fun- ding was a big mistake by the province. They know they made a mistake, but how do they back out." He said that the county's five secondary schools are facine enrolment problems. In Clinton, Central Huron Secondary School enrolment will drop to 50 per cent in the near future. He said the school was built to meet the high enrolment needs when the Canadian Forces air base was located here. Mr. Falconer said that he is "a farmer taking an active part in community life." He is pat resident of the Central Huron AgricultueArSociety, the Shorthorn Club and LOL of South Huron. He is a director of the Huron, Cattlemen, member,of the United Church and Clinton Modern Square Dance Club. He was councillor in Tuckersmith Township for 11 years. Included in his special abilities, Mr. Falconer noted that he was "born a leader and good with math.' Sally Rathwell's interests in the board of education began two years ago when she was elected to the Vanastra School Accom- modation Review Committee. Her work against the proposed closing of the public school made her more familiar with the education board. • "As I became interested in subsequent issues the board was dealing with, I felt con- fident I could serve the cornrnunity well." Mrs. Rathwell believes that education trustees should be in regular contact with schools and parents in the district they represent. Issues that concern her are declining enrolment, pupil -teacher ratios and educa- tion costs. She said, "Declining enrolment is going to be. .a,challenge to all boards of education, but particularly so if children are taken outof the education system to attend private schools. Meeting this challenge will be the key to survival of our school system." Regarding pupil -teacher ratios, she said this should be investigated and regulated, "because such large classes, especially with split grades do not allow each child to receive adequate attention. Teachers can- not be spread too thin to do so many jobs." Rising education costa and lack of funding for rural municipalities also concern Mrs. Rathwell. "The ministry of education must be let in on the secret that education costs have risen and provincial funding needs to increase ac- cordingly, "It is one thing for the local school board to be expected to provide integration for handicapped and special needs children, Mrs. Rathwell said, that her aim as education trustee would be to work towards "quality education atah affordable price." The third candidate in the education race is Nico Peters of RR 4, Seaforth. Mr. Peters told Clinton ratepayers that he was running • in the election because he values education. "My own education background has given me a deep appreciation for quality educa- tion. I appreciate the fact that education is a continuing process. If we can instill and nurture its students a love for learning, that in itself is of monumental significance." Mr. Peters attended elementary school in Walton and high school in Seaforth. His post- secondary education earned him a Bachelors Degree, in psychology -sociology and a Masters Degree in divinity. He served in churches in Michigan, Hamilton and Coil- ingwood. Mr. Peters, his wife and three children now live. in Tuckersmith Township where they operate a hog and poultry farm. "I now have two children attending school and I feel a responsibility to them as well as to other students and parents to do what I can to maintain the integrity and the quality of our school system in face of the many fac- tors which currently threaten to undermine it." Mr. Peters believes that the educational system should revolve around the needs of the students, "in such a way that they will riot be obsolete when they graduate and enter life and work outside the classroom." The candidate says that three priority issues face the Huron County Board of Education - funding, counselling and a balanced curriculum. Regarding funding, he noted that 20 per cent of the provincial budget goes to educa- tion costs, and close to 50 per cent of municipal tax dollars are spent on educa- tion. "Should the Ontario government proceed to implement separate school funding as it seems intent on doing, the cost is anywhere between $150 -million and $450 -million. Yet the disparity between elementary and secondary school grants has risen from $476 per student' in 1976 to $843 per student in 1984. In addition, a lower public school enrolment threatens to create financial hardships in our public school system with local taxpayers possibly having to meet the shortfall." Mr. Peters believes that education must prepare students for the future, and counselling facilities must be upgraded. He stressed, "To succeed in our educational system will depend, to a great degree, upon a student making correct decisions at a very early stage." Education, he feels must not only prepare students for the work force, but it should of- fer a "fully rounded education" in arts, sciences and technical training. "Our school system must stay true to the principle of exposing students to the fullest dimensions of knowledge." In conjunction with his farm work, Mr. Peters is vice-chairman of the Ontario Pullet Growers' Association and a member of the Christian Farmers' Federation and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. He also serves on the editorial staff of the magazine Earthkeeping.