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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1985-11-06, Page 2Page 2— CLINTON NEWS -RECORD- WDNESDAY, NOV ;11 ER 6,1985 KUE ;Z1 FOOD MARKET "Your Knechtel Associate Store" *CLINTON You'll love shopping in our NEW PL'O1'1'UCE DEPARTM ENT SUPERIOR QUALITY • LOWER PRICES • BETTER GPADES THIS WEEK'S PRODUCE FEATURESIMNIIII Canada Fancy Excellent Value Ida Reds, Macs or Red Delicious APPLES 10 LB BAG 3.59 Ontario Grown No. 1 BRUSSELS SPROUTS Ontario Grown • Snow White 8 OZ. PKG. MUSHROOMS Produce USA A Nutritious Snack CANTALOUPES Canada No, 1 PEI 5 LB. BAG BAKING POTATOES L Produce Spain • Canada No. 1 ALMERIA GRAPES LB.® Ontario Grown - Canada No. 1 WAXED RUTABAGAS B.. / "9 Fresh Crisp Produce USA • Canada No. 1 HEAD LETTUCE Ontario Grown- Canada No. 1 1 LB, BAG PARSNIPS 99 21.89 . 79 . 99 1.49 Product USA - Vine Ripened • , TOMATOES LB. 11 Ontario Grown Canada No, 1 GREEN 2'x99 .99 CABBAGE Two �o,�or kern page 1 Cooke and Deputy Rene. `rank Van Altena. Mrs. Cooke has sewed on council for five years. She told the ratepayers that she has found her work "challenging and rewarding. I would like to carry on further in municipal affairs." She came to council without a "chip on her shoulder," and entered municipal politics to learn more about municipal life. The five years' experience on council has given Mrs. Cooke the confidence to seek the reeve's position. "I'm anxious, I'm eager and I'm willing to try," she told the ratepayers. In reply to the questionnaire Mrs. Cook wrote that one of her aims for Clinton is, "working together to make a better Clinton and a better community in which we live." She cited industry as the main concern and issue in the upcoming years. Mrs. Cooke is a registered nurse, graduating from the Clinton Public Hospital. She has worked as a qualified floral designer for 30 years. She is past president of the Ladies' Legion Auxiliary in Clinton and past regent of the Sara Bale Chapter of the LODE. When asked what special abilities she could bring to council, Mrs. Cooke replied, "I believe I can deal with issues as they arise in a fair and unbiased manner. As a long standing business person in the community, I have a good understanding of financial affairs which will be a definite asset when representing Clinton at the county level," Frank Van Altena focussed the attention of his speech at the all -candidates meeting towards Clinton's participation in the Ontario Neighborhood Improvement Plan (ONIP). The three year program will allow for the recreational and hard services development in town, based on a $175,000 government grant, equally matched by municipal contributions. Clinton's share of the funding comes from town coffers and through contributions made by service organizations. "The (ONIP) improvements will make Clinton more attractive for industries," Mr. Van Altena told the ratepayers. He noted that service clubs are helping to finance projects, and Clintonians should show their, appreciation to these groups. Mr. Van Altena has served on town council for nine years, five of those as deputy reeve. "I take my responsibility seriously," he said. `Mr. Van Altena did not respond to the News -Record's election questionnaire. STORE HOURS: Mon., Tues., Wed. & Sat. 8:30 a.m. • 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday 8:30 a.m. • 9 p.m. OPEN 'TILL 9 P.M. THURSDAY & FRIDAY DEPUTY- REEVE Charles Burgess Clarence Neilans Rosemary Armstrong needs in Clinton," he told ratepayers. Mr. Neilans said that, "Clinton has become a residential town with a great number of people working elsewhere in the county. I would like to improve this situation by becoming involved in making aur town more receptive to industry and business. Clinton is known as the hub of Huron. County, we have access to all major shipping routes for, the products this industry would produce. Also our taxes are too high for a town with no industry. Of course we have to raise taxes for revenue, but surely we can do this by raising them slowly over a stipulated time period." A Clinton native, Mr. Neilans' background includes involvement in minor sports, president of the Junior C hockey club for seven years and member and chairman of the town recreation committee. He is a WWII veteran and a member of the Canadian Royal Legion for 33 years. He has been an elder at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for 15 years. He is married and has three daughters and six grandchildren. Voters will choose between three candidates for the deputy reeve, Rosemary Armstrong, Charles Burgess and Clarence Neilans. Former Clinton councillor 'Rosemary Armstrong, is back in the running for the municipal politics. She told ratepayers that she served on town council for seven years, but felt limited in her contributions because her husband was then a town employee. Since this situation no longer exists, Mrs. Armstrong feels she can make greater contributions at the council level without encountering conflicts of interest. The issues facing council, she said, included the encouragement of business and industry to locate here; the maintenance of existing services; additional rental housing for seniors. Mrs. Armstrong said, "I can do a good job for the people of Clinton. I have always been interested in politics- and have been very frustrated in the past by the ineffectiveness of some of our politicians." Mrs. Armstrong said that as deputy reeve she would, "work hard and attend as many meetings as possible in order to learn more about the workings of all departments and programs; to be honest and impartial in all my decisions and to try always to act for the benefit of the majority of the citizens of Clinton, regardless of my personal opinions." She emphasized the need to attract irl{lustry to Clinton, "while always keeping in mind the welfare of those businesses already established here." She added, "I want to see taxes kept to a reasonable and affordable level for all citizens while not destroying existing services and programs." The 46 -year-old Clintonian was born in Scotland. She attended teacher's training -college and worked as a police constable. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong and their two children emigrated to Canada in 1966, moving to Clinton in 1972. Mr. Armstrong was employed with the Clinton Police for 13 years. Mrs. Armstrong is the co-ordinator of the CONTEST Case Buffinga Ross Carter Gord Gerrits John Cochrane FOR COUNCIL Jim Hunter Bonnie Jewitt Brad King Ken Holmes Eight candidates are in the running for six council seats, including Case Buffinga, Ross Carter, John Cochrane, Gord Gerrits, Ken Holmes, Jim Hunter, Bonnie Jewitt and Brad King. Newcomer to municipal politics, Case Buffinga said his experience "involved the operation of a small business in the community and being faced with the day-to- day problems we all face during the normal with municipal affairs' in the City of London. His work included dealing with Ontario MupBoard has, eity council minutesicipal and zoning bylawshearg. Mr. Holmes said that with this experience, "I feel I have a basic understanding .how a nunicipal.politics work." A retired resident to Clinton Mr. Hohnes said that he is running for council because, "as a member of the community I felt I should contribute of my time and knowledge for the betterment of the town." His aims are to "encourage council to be more aware of the concerns of the electorate and to act on the issues presented." His concerns also centre on job creation and industrial development. Mr. Holmes' community involvement has included a three-year position as secretary - treasurer of the Central Huron Agricultural Society (Clinton fair board), member of the Bluewater Shrine Club and the Mocha Temple. He is married, with four grandchildren. and three grandchildren. Incumbent Jim Hunter told ratepayers, "I offer to you a vigorous, active and concerned person. „ Mr. Hunter said his record of speaking out on all council matters helps him serve the people of Clinton. Action, decision making, speaking loudly for the rights of the people and working closely with council, were among the points he emphasized. "I hope that Clinton Council will do less of reacting to emergencies and more planning - to prevent these emergency situations from happening," he added. A proponent of the need for industrial development, he said that council must continue work in the industrial park. He also, stressed the maintenance and development of roads, lights and services. Mr. Hunter told the News -Record, "We must learn to balance the needs of our community for funds to maintain it and help course of our lives. it grow with the ability of the taxpayer to �� "I have not previously been involved at pay those funds. A greater control over the any level with local politics, but I have had budget requiring more time spent and an the pleasure of serving with a number of earlier start to the process are required." community organizations and assisting in Born and raised in Goderich, Mr. Hunter, their many activities." his wife and three children moved to Clinton Mr. Buffinga said he was concerned about in 1974. Mr. Hunter has served on council for the betterment of the community and noted five years, along with involvement in many that "the most important issue in any boards and committees. election is voter turn out." Bonnie Jewitt has a "great personal He is the son of Henry and Grace Buffinga interest in the town." of Clinton. He is married to the former Ruth A present member of the town's. Anne Brown and has one daughter. He has recreation committee, Mrs. Jewitt said she worked in Clinton for 15 years, prior to would like to see "cultural, industrial and which he lived in Hullett Township. recreational growth in Clinton." Incumbent candidate Ross Carter said She said that council should include that his concerns centre on monetary representatives for the younger and older policies for the town. The chairman of the factions, male and female populations. She finance committee said, "I've been trying to offers her voice as a "young, working impress council with definite guidelines for mother." budget, wage negotiations and capital She believes that the town's tax base can expenses." be controlled by attracting more people to He said that council should take more the town. "We need more rental housing responsibility in guiding committees "in the here as well. I think more public awareness " exercise of financial restraint. The main of what's happening is very important." issue is for careful monetary policies to Married, with two children, Mrs. Jewitt make sure that the mill ,rate is not raised has worked as a teacher in Huron County for greatly due to poor planning." 18 years. Married with three sons, Mr. Carter is a As a council member, Brad King said he teacher at Seaforthblic School. He has a offered ratepayers his "time and degree in mathematics and has studied for enthusiasm to help guide our town." two years towards a chartered accountant. While he said he knew of no major issues "Having taught for 21 years, I have facing the municipality, Mr. King said he demonstrated an ability to work with people was interested in bringing industry to town. towards a common goal. An ability to use Mr. King is married and has three numbers and facts to make firm decisions children. He has lived in Clinton for almost will be an asset to future committee and 11 years and works as a licensed mechanic. council meetings," he told the News - Record. Well-known in the educational field, John Cochrane is seeking a council position. A 17 -year resident of Clinton, Mr. Cochrane said, "The major successes in my career (high school inspector with the ministry of education and then director of education for Huron County) seem to have emanated from the years 1960-'65 when I was principal of the local high school." Mr. Cochrane said that through his career and family life, "Clintonwas good to us and we have a debt of gratitude to repay. Offering to serve on town council seemed to be an appropriate way of saying thank you." Mr. Cochrane said, "I don't have a lot of promises to make." He said it was best not to make election promises "unless you have control over the outcome." Included in the issues that Clinton faces Mr. Cochrane cited: "a pressing need for apartment accommodation and moderately priced housing; a search for light industry; a comprehensive and affordable recreation program for all ages; continued updating of the sanitary and storm sewer networks; and, continued upgrading of sidewalks and streets." Among his special abilities that could make a contribution to council Mr. Cochrane emphasized "my proven organizational ability, the capacity to speak clearly and concisely on issues, the ability to cut through the chaff to the kernel of the problem, and a reputation for fairness are all attributes which I believe will serve the 11" Huron Day Care Centre for the Homebound. Along with his 25 years in education work, She has worked at the centre since it opened he was an elected member of the board of in 1977. directors of the Huron County Children's Aid , Mrs. Armstrong says that her special Society for five years. abilities include : "previous council - Clinton's newest councillor Gord Gerrits experience; administrative and is seeking election after serving for one -and - organizational abilities; honesty and a -half years. integrity; ability to see both sides of an Along with concerns abut industrial and issue; articulate and outspoken." commercial development; and spending and Charles Burgess has been a councillor management controls by council, Mr. for three years. Gerrits said he would like to clear the Mr. Burgess cited industrial, residential misconception that, "people who run this and commercial development as his main town don't care what's going on." He asked concerns. With development, he said, ratepayers not only to discuss municipal Clinton could establish a stronger tax base. affairs on the street corners or in the coffee "By development we will increase our tax shop, but to present their concerns to base to pay for steadily rising costs of council. services; thereby controlling taxes. By He would like to introduce a program, "to development we give the youth bf our town educate the people of Clinton that council is an opportunity to remain in Clinton." not untouchable. •Too often public input Mr. Burgess said his role on council is as doesn't reach council until after decisions "a watchdog on how our dollars are'spent." have been made." He -came to Clinton 17 years ago, with his Mr. Gerrits is chairman of the arts wife Edith and four daughters. He committee, a member of the recreation purchased a business here and said, "I have committee, which he said, "has had to face never regretted this decision." some pretty tough problems and obstacles," Mr. Burgess said that after serving eight and member of the waste management years on the industrial committee and three committee. years on town council, "I feel I have the ex- He has recently set up his own business in perience to do a good job as deputy reeve." town and said that this experience has Sixty -six-year-old Clarence Neilans has shown him the problems facing many small also thrown his hat in the ring for deputy businesses. reeve. A political newcomer, Mr. Neilans "I would like to serve you again as the worked as arena manager for 10 years and youngest member of council and bring to it a as the former chief of the town fire spirit and vitality it needs to get this town department for 13 years. moving," Mr, Gerrits told the News -Record. "I have full knowledge of the people's Ken Holmes has worked extensively PUC ELECTION Chester Archibald Bob Irwin Lawrie Slade AI Lobb Don Symons Five men are in the running for the our seats on the Clinton Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Candidates include Chester Archibald, Bob Irwin, Al Lobb, Lawrie Slade and Don Symons. As mayor of Clinton, Chester Archibald has served on PUC for the past five years. While stepping out of the political arena as mayor, he would like to continue his work on PUC. He said the PUC has initiated good business practices, including the establishment of a reserve fund to finance the replacement of the water tower, and upgrading of the sewer system to avoid expansion -of the sewage treatment plant. Mr. Archibald said, "I hope to assist in operating the PUC business enterprise in an efficient manner and to help maintain the harmonious working relations with JD town, which have been established over th past few years. "Twenty-five years in senior administrative positions has given me the necessary experience to contribute to the efficient management of our public utilities." Bob Irwin has served on PUC for seven years. Past political experience also includes four years on town council. He was a business owner for 30 years, has been treasurer of the Wesley Willis Church for 33 years and is past president of the Canadian Legion. "My purpose in running for PIX is to be of service to the community and to manage the business of the commission in an economical and proficient way at the least possible expense to the taxpayer," he said. Al Lobb told ratepayers that with 35 years' experience in engineering and administration fields, he feels well qualified to serve on the PUC. As a PUC member he would work towards maintaining equipment and improving street lighting. His aims also include "holding the line on PUC charges whey possible, taking into consideration inflatio which we have no control over. „Vir. Lobb noted that sewage charges should not be based on water consumption. He said, "Many people use water which never enters the sanitary sewage system and the users, many of whom are trying to beautify their homes and gardens, are being penalized. The fair way to base the cost would be to include it in the taxes which are payable every three months. There are some seniors in town who have taxes below $500. This charge would then be added to the taxes which would then bring them up to approximately $500, the amount which is recoverable for seniors from the Ontario government. If elected I will endeavour to have this changed." Mr. Lobb's election aim regarding water 'heti to peke a