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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-08-02, Page 22 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday, August 2, 2006 McLaughlin, Hall seek re-election By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF LUCAN BIDDULPH — "There are a number of issues I would like to see move forward," says Lucan Biddulph Mayor Tom McLaughlin commenting on his decision to run in the upcoming November elec- tion. "Certainly these last three years have been rewarding and challeng- ing," adds McLaughlin. Some main issues McLaughlin would like to continue bringing attention to if re-elected include keeping the Lucan Biddulph tax rate com- petitive, focusing on the development of the township and sub- division planning "Development is a big thing moving for- ward and the museum is moving along," says McLaughlin. "It'll be a boost to the downtown area (of Lucan)," he adds. McLaughlin says Lucan Biddulph coun- cil is also keen on join- ing the London/Middlesex Family Health Team and focusing on the doctor shortage. Another area McLaughlin has been pleased with during his term as mayor has been the tax increas- es. "We've kept tax rates competitive and the previous three years the levee increase has been zero per cent and the tax increase went down," says McLaughlin. McLaughlin says the tax increases have been less than inflation. The Lucan Memorial Community Centre has also been an area coun- cil has focused more heavily on during the past few years and will continue to make improvements "We've I rates com and the p three yea levee inc been zer cent." on. Council has bought a new compressor, con- denser and ice resurfacer for the facility built in 1976. McLaughlin says they have TOM worked hard to keep the build- MCLAUGHLIN ing a "first class facility." Roads, bridges, bylaws and water and sewage are just a few items McLaughlin and the members of council plan to continue improving. McLaughlin also says they will continue taking advantage of government programs like the Trillium Foundation. The yearly spring pick-up, the tar recy- cling program, the Lucan Biddulph newsletter and the Canada Day celebra- tion are a few areas McLaughlin says have a "positive impact" on the municipality. In the near future McLaughlin would like to see the former Petro Canada site in Lucan cleaned up so it's "not as much of an eye soar." But when it comes down to it, McLaughlin says the "key is devel- opment to help businesses." McLaughlin, the only candidate in the mayoral race to date has spent many years in politics including serving as reeve and councillor between 1988 and 1996. Since 2003 McLaughlin has been the Lucan Biddulph mayor. McLaughlin was also warden recently for Middlesex County, ending his one-year term last December. Wayne Hall, Lucan Biddulph ward#1 council- lor is also hop- ept<tax petitive revious rs the rease has o per M LUCAN — TOM CLAUGHLIN BIDDULPH MAYOR REGIONAL WRAP Guiding leaders awarded CLINTON — The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards recently honoured four local women from the Beaver Division Guiding community, reports the Clinton News -Record. Recognized for their many years of commitment to their Guiding programs and Girl Guides of Canada were three women from the Klahanie District Guiders. Melody Falconer -Pounder of Bayfield was recog- nized for over 15 years, Lisa Currah of Clinton for over five years and Vicky Piluke of Goderich for 20 years. Mae Raynard of Lucknow was awarded for 30 years of volunteering in the Maitee District. Huron -Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell and Bruce -Grey - Owen Sound MPP Bruce Murdoch were on hand to present the volunteer pins. The ceremony was in Owen Sound. Over the years the ceremony has collectively had 6,341 years of volunteer service honoured. Seaforth science club SEAFORTH — A science club in Seaforth run by two teenage girls is growing, according to The Huron Expositor. Ellen Whelan, 18 and Tanya Costello, 17 both of Seaforth, started the club a year and a half ago for girls around eight to 12 years old. The group which has grown from 14 members to 25, meets on a monthly basis. Whelan says with the growth of the club they are looking for a third person to help out. It's been "a little overwhelming," says Whelan. Some activities have included taking trips, hosting guest speakers and making flashlights. "We try and get all parts of science and math into it (the club)," says Costello. "It's been very positive," says Whelan. Any girls interested in joining the science club can contact Whelan and Costello at cagis_c4th@yahoo.ca ing to get re-elected this November. Hall says he's decided to run again for a number of reasons, adding he'd like to see more com- pleted before he quits municipal politics. Agreeing with McLaughlin, Hall would like to see development con- tinue in Lucan and says the Economic Development Committee will continue to play a key role. He would also like to keep the tax level down. Hall says the Canada Day celebra- tion which has been successful, will be a main focus, attracting the community to Lucan. Hall says even if not elected he would still like to be part of this particular event. A sidewalk down Saintsbury towards Biddulph Central School as well as in some other areas of Lucan are other items on Hall's list. He also stresses the importance of "waste from other locations being spread on our farm land," adding "it's nothing against our farmers" but would like to keep hold on this, making sure it does not get out of hand. Hall wants the "municipality to have had a say before the Ministry of the Environment grants approval." Hall is also proud of the shape in which the Lucan arena is in, saying it has shown some significant growth. This is also an area in which Hall plans to continue improving, by updating and repairing parts of the facility including the kitchen. This is Hall's second time running for councillor. He is the only coun- cillor in the race as of now. Hall is the former manager of the Lucan Community Memorial Centre. He operates a travel agency, Cruise Selloffs. WAYNE HALL Volunteers needed for business study EXETER — A project announced in April to identify the needs and problems of local business- es is looking for 10 experienced individuals to sit on a task force. Hugh McMaster of the South Huron Chamber of Commerce is looking for individuals from four sectors of the local economy: industry, retail, agriculture and tourism. The year-long `Business Retention and Expansion Program,' which will involve commu- nity partners and businesses, will see various local businesses take part in a 37 -page survey which will indicate what problems, needs and issues local businesses face. The task force will respond to the needs and concerns the businesses express. A strategic plan will eventually be developed to improve the local economy and results of the sur- vey and action plan will be presented at a public meeting. McMaster said those interested in sitting on the task force should be prepared to work 10 hours a month on the project. The task force positions are voluntary. "It's a voluntary position, but it's extremely important," McMaster says, "because it could help table the future of South Huron." Members of the task force will supervise and help manage their respective areas of expertise in the project. McMaster is looking to interview those interest- ed in a task force position soon. For more infor- mation, McMaster can be reached at the Chamber of Commerce at 235-4520. POLICE BRIEF Purse stolen in Exeter break and enter EXETER — Sometime during the night of July 24, thieves gained entry into a residence on Sanders Street in Exeter. The thieves entered the residence during the night, with the owner in the house. They stole the victim's purse and fled from the house. If you have any information that can assist Police with any investigation, please call the OPP or CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-222-8477. (1 -800 -222 -TIPS). MacDougall joins Bluewater election Continued from front page MacDougall said the new four- year term was a factor in whether he wanted to run again. "It's a long commitment and it made me think whether I needed this for four years. After quite a bit of thought, I thought I might as well go for it." MacDougall said he thinks the municipality is in extremely good shape financially, but at times feels too much is being left in reserves. "It's something I've been continu- ally asking...and I don't think I've gotten a really strong answer yet that I can understand or that other councillors understand." MacDougall said he has no con- cerns with the financial informa- tion being presented to council but would like to benchmark Bluewater against other municipal- ities of the same size and see how Bill MacDougall its financial state compares. MacDougall said while there have been frus- trations in the past three years, he has enjoyed the term and good things have come out of it. Children of Chernobyl end another visit Continued from front page Zaichenko says everything has been great — "the people, hospi- tality and all of the families." "The people are really the best," says Zaichenko. The events planned this year were also popular. Luba Kondak, who is staying with Dave and Carla Long of Hensall says she particularly enjoyed going to Niagara Falls. Almira Nurgaleyeva, staying with Paul and Virginia Warwick, says she loved Canada's Wonderland but is a huge fan of IKEA where she "bought presents for my baby brother" who is seven months old. Their last get together is a pig roast to be held right before the children say their goodbyes to their second families, boarding the plane to Belarus. For information about becoming a host family for next summer con- tact Waun at 235-1902. MPP Mitchell not shocked by survey results Continued from front page be prepared to offset foreign subsi- dies in export markets; • A number of non -farming respondents were opposed to farm assistance of any sort, arguing that other small business operations receive no assistance. Mitchell also noted when asked to comment on the survey, that she was pleased to see the results on Foodland. "Ninety-three per cent had demonstrated confidence that agri- culture has been very strong in expanding Foodland products available, such as meats," says Mitchell. Mitchell's office will send a copy of the survey to Premier Dalton McGuinty, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Agri Food and Rural Affairs