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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1977-10-27, Page 4PAGE 4—. GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1977 Goderich SIGNAL STAR The County Town Newspaper of Huron Founded In 1140 and published every Thursday at Goderich. Ontario. Member of the CWNA and OWNA. Advertising rotes on r t. Subscriptions payable In ad '17.00 in Canada. '17,00 to U.S.A.. '29.90 tq all other countries, single copies 30 cents. Display adver, tisIng rates available en request. Please asb for Rate Card No. 0 effective Oct. 1, 1077. Second class mall Registration Numb% 0711. Advertising Is accepted on the condition that. In the event of typographical error, the advartlsing space occupied by the erroneous Mem. together with reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for but the balance of the advertisement- will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or service may not be sold. Advertising is merely on offer to sell. and may be withdrawn at any time. The Signal -Star Is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts or photos. Business and Editorial Office TELEPHONE 524-8331 area code 519 Published by Signal -Star Publishing Ltd. ROBERT G. SHRIER — president and publisher SHIRLEY J. KELLER — editor EDWARD J. BYRSKI — advertising manager Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 220, Industrial Park, Goderich Second class mail registration number — 0716 A burden shared Some of the best news in a long time hit the front page of the Signal -Star last Thursday. That was the news that Goderich may have a ratepayers' association if a meeting planned for tonight is successful. The meeting, set for 7 p.m. at McKay Hall, should be of deep interest to all taxpayers in the Town of Goderich and this newspaper urges everyone who is able to attend.. It is also with particular gratitude that this'. newspaper was able to report the ratepayers' association here would be dedicated to co-operate with council rather than to challenge council members. That is a sensible and totally acceptable manner upon which to build a ratepayers' association. A positive, constructive ap- proach is always more useful than the negative, destructive route often taken by taxpayers who are concerned about municipal affairs. It is understood one of the very first things the proposed ratepayers' association would do, is to become informed. This would he another plus for such a new'group because it is absolutely essential ,to know the exact types of •problems faced by council members in Goderich before any meaningful co-operation can begin. Too' many times, citizens complain and haggle[ without knowing all the facts. It is easy to criticize the municipal budget, for in- stance. It is an entirely different exercise to face the town budget squarely with all the information available and make the same intelligent cutbacks in spending that might have been suggested before all the facts were known, It has been suggested that if a ratepayers' association was formed in Goderich, members of the association would take turns attending council sessions to become aware of all aspects of municipal business. That information would become the subject for discussion at ratepayers' meetings and from those discussions, suggestions and recommendations based on solid facts could be put forth by the ratepayers' association for council's consideration. By far the greatest benefit would be the knowledge of municipal.pffairs that would he gained by the average ratepayer in Goderich. Though Goderich is fortunate to have a town council which meets almost entirely in open session - the only rare exceptions being legal discussions or discussions regarding personnel problems - few Goderich citizens are on hand to hear the deliberations of council. The Goderich Signal -Star, The London Free Press and CKNX are represented at each meeting of council and news reportsare available through the press and via the electronic media. The Signal -Star carries by far the greatest in-depth reports from the council meetings , yet much of the information contained in the newspaper does not penetrate to the core of municipal residents who tend to glean the paper for news rather than to study it for facts. To be sure, keeping abreast of municipal affairs in Goderich is a demanding job. It takes dedication, perseverance and time. Ask any town councillor. There is little doubt that town councillors will welcome a ratepayers' association, particularly one that is fashioned ac- cording to the proposals outlined by Jim Bolan and- Brian Knights in last week's news story. Councillors will appreciate some "back up"interest. Most councillors admit they perform better under the critical eye of the public. They are more business -like, more conscious of voter opinion, more thoughtful and alert. They want the public at their meetings. Incidentally, this newspaper would be relieved if members of a ratepayers' association were in attendance at all council meetings in the future, It would be a burden shared. —SJK , A priority item Despite the fact that -something like $600,000 is available to Goderich from federal and provincial sources for a Neigh- borhood Improvement Program, town council may have no other choicer but to turn it down. Goderich taxpayers just may not be able to swing their, portion of the deal - 50 per cent of the costs for hard services, 25 per cent of the costs for soft services. When it comes to hard services (roads, sewers, sidewalks, lights, etc) versus soft services (parks, recreation etc.) there isn't much doubt that Goderich ratepayers would prefer $640,000 from government to be poured directly into the provision of some new streets and sewers and sidewalks for the community. There's nothing like a new paved street with neat curbs and gutters to spruce up a neighborhood and instill pride in the residents there. And a proper sewer system with the assurance that a sudden cloudburst won't flood the family room is another asset for homeowners wherever they live. These are the kinds of services most people ap- preciate hest. But to get $600,000, Goderich must spend $600,000 - or there abouts. And that's where the crunch comes. How do you provide an additional $600,000 in a budget which is already straining atthe seams with the rising costs of everyday housekeeping? Dare you ask municipal ratepayers for an extra tax levy for one year only in order to accept the government's $600,000•? is that good business? Is it acceptable? Even if by some miracle $600,000 in municipal funds could be attained to participate in the NIP project, what about the streets and sewers in other parts of town that would remain undone? What about the necessary improvements at Industrial Park where industry must be coaxed to locate before the town's tax base can he broadened and some of the tax load( shifted off the ordinary homeowner? What. about all those other programs throughout Goderich which are deemed vital to the overall continued growth and prosperity of this community? Once again it is evident that before a decision is reached about the NIP project in Goderich, an intense study of the entire municipal' program its essential. If, after that study is complete, it is evident the town can in good conscience continue with the cost-sharing NIP project, there shquld still he time to complete the necessary paperwork to receive the government funding. But if the study reveals the NIP project is just too ambitious for Goderich's pocketbook. town council may have to say ''no" to $600,000. in any case. there's no time to waste. A look at the next decade in Goderich - the cost, the ability to pay, the type of people to carry out the program - is considered a priority item by the people of this municipality.-SJK Wise decision It would appear that the recent decision of the Perth -Huron Steering committee against formation of a district health council for the two counties was a wise one. It also appears that there is already some doubt about the merits of such councils even among those already organized. A spokesman for the council which in- cludes Middlesex and several other counties to the south has said there is immediate need for clarification of the council's power and areas of control. Someone from yet another health council has expressed his fears that the authority and effectiveness of local hospital boards is endangered. Doubts of this same nature have been heard by people who are connected with or well informed about the operations of regional governments. In fact the entire concept of regiotial Control is being seriously questioned and the provincial government has been noticeably quiet about " forming any more region- s,—Wingham Advance Times a Watch the first step by Jeff Seddon BY S.HIRLEY J. KELLER The morning mail does yield some intere.sting tidbits from time to time. This morning's (Monday) mail brought with it an item which appeared in The Perth Courier. It siVas sent to the Signal -Star by Jack Andrew of the Perth area with the note, "Perhaps your readers might like to learn what one MP has had the courage to state publicly,'' The article was entitled "Canada At Crossroads - Alkenbrack is the Progressive Conservative member for Frontenac- Lennox and Addington. He is a man in his mid 50's who has held the position of MP for a "good many years", to quote John Clement who is the editor of The Perth Courier. .„ Jo. DEAR EDITOR DEAR READERS Alkenbrack was speaking at a meeting of a. Con— servative Association in Northern Ontario. At that time, Alkenbrack said Canada is at a crossroads and Canadians must either stand or they will lose the right to The following is a reprint of the article w-hich, p,ppe'ared in The Courier. It is published here to provoke thought among readers in this part of Ontario. "Mr. Alkenbrack -said the situation in Canada today is similar to what was present warned that the "mistakes that made civil war inevitable there should not be repeated here. "According to the MP, before the civil war broke out Abraham Lincoln let it be known that the American constitution had no provisions for referendums. of separation and, therefore, any states that seceded or attempted to separate were guilty of an insurrection against the central govern- ment "and must be put • "Lincoln was a great leader who saved his nation and the same kind of leadership is needed in Canada now, the MP said. "In the absence of leadership in Ottawa, stan- ding between us and disaster, the premiers of the provinces must decide our country is worth saving and stand up to Pierre Trudeau," Mr. Alkenbrack stated. "Con- cessions and compromises failed to head off the American civil war. The eoncessions and com- promises Canada has already made for Quebec have only led to further demands, ac- ' cording to the MP. "We cannot hope to get out of this problem by compromising," he said. "The area MP charged that the federal government has helped finance efforts to intensify problems in Canada. The claims he made are similar to what is stated in the con- troversial book, "Bilingual Today, French Tomorrow, - by a Bennett Lake resident, J. V. Andrew. "Last year alone, the secretary of state's office gave Francophone groups in Ontario $300,000 to,, organize and agitate against the government of our province," Mr. Alkenbrack alleged. "Don't let Ontario be held up for ransom by a group of radicals the way C being held by Levesque, he warned for something. Stand province, because province stands Rene Levesque a dreams of power greatness,- the MI) "Ontario can force of Pierre Trudeau aa Levesque to back do we will have to be the people appointed prime minister to, national unity task Jean Luc PepimIce the MP, recently Canadian Club in° they are part of problem because enrol enough Fr members and don't enough French s Turn to ol ur ei as us cc lit Lt tl ne Appalled Dear Editor: I was appalled to read that our elected representatives would give such expensive "Special Consideration" to the town hall staff, for the months of November and I realize with Mr. Wall's resignation and, the position not filled, his salary will be a bonus to the town, but that does not give council mem- bers the right to dispose of it in this way. I believe I am correct in assuming that Mr. Walls has basis for these -two months for not taken all vacations due to attending some other him. Had he done so, would meetings. the rest of the staff been If the man is not qualified to compensated in this way? take the position, then he After receiving such an should not receive the pay. increase, what will be the I would not be against a staff reaction when "Santa reasonable sum, but $700 per Claus- does not pay it? Will month is ridiculous. I think it they accept a cut back to their is time our elected members previous salary? stopped acting like an ostrich, At this rate of increase $700 and removed their head from per month, for Mr. McCabe, the sand, so that they can see he would be paid more than , what is really going on. Mr. Walls is recei ving, The taxpayers can, not Apparently it is not to end at Continue to pay the paper $700 either, as according to when he continues to be out of the news report, he will tune with reality. receive pay on a pro rata An Irate Citizen. Think it over Dear Editor: As the busy fall and winter season comes again, we are thankful for all the dedicated people giving leadership in children's and youth sporting activities: hockey, bowling, and so on, as well as those who give time and thought to midweek group leadership in the community, in the schools and in the churches. We also salute those who, in the churches, prepare a-nd teach meaningful Bible -based lessons, lead Junior Choirs and direct , C'ongrega tions. that all these 01) are available to the ode r i ch and area. One problem hat: yea rs, been eallsg Ch ristian parents, Anti u ch scheduling of SurtAll n i ng sporting act' chi Wren and youth a go, when the ni Sunday morning 11 well as bowfing hct- organized %vas brought up. the Tante la Is, ion th ext Sig 75 YEARS AGO The ratepayers of Goderich have now a series of propositions before them for rebuilding the organ factory destroyed by fire two weeks ago and possibly starting another industry here and also to assist the proposed electric railway scheme. These were submitted first to a special meeting-. of the Board of Trade on Monday night and then to a public meeting on Tuesday and will be possibly still further discussed at a second public meeting before going to Town Council for action. Early Wednesday morning the old drill -shed, occupied by LOCIKING BACK Beck and Goldthorpe as an apple evaporating factory, caught fire and burned so rapidly that no part of the building or contents could be saved. The fire brigade was also unsuccessful in saving the Ward school adjoining the shed. The school was insured for $1200 but the town had no insurance on the drill shed. Between 30 and 40 girls, boys and men are thrown out of employment at a time when there are few openings for Thos. P. Kelly's Big American Lady Minstrels will be at the Opera House for one performance in Goderich on Tuesday evening. 25 YEARS AGO A feuding general meeting of the subscribers of the Goderich Township Municipal Telephone System took until the early morning hours on Wednesday to finally decide in favor of offering for sale the 43 -year-old system to the Bell Telephone Company. The Huron' County Pioneer Museum has obtained for display purposes from the village of Crediton, an old hand -pumper, originally used by the Goderich fire depar- tment. There was a large congregation at St. George's Anglican Church on Tuesday night for the induction of the rector, the Reverend Kenneth The Huron County bur- saries for 1952 have been awarded to the following students at the University of Western Ontario: Maxine Hunking, RA. 1 Auburn, Barbara Gaunt, R".R. 1 Belgrave, Bernice Dilling, R.R. 2 Kippen, Peter J. Walter, Goderich and James Grant Mills, Woodham. 5 YEARS AGO Local Town Council decided last Thursday evening to begin negotiations toward possible acquisition of the Hul-on County jail. A preservation fund has been started .111_ contribution t pti according to ,13.111 manager of mat, Memorial A retool. F. longer ,s D_Y Signal -Star thl,n_11 sometime dorl.,1, safety aWarusafety, pedestriirs fatality free dartrevioa seats washroom pedestrian A for six to ed licit the ke, dor Na ald the tior rot