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Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2006-11-01, Page 44 Times–Advocate Wednesday, November 1, 2006 A ocna =CNA Editorial Opinion e n = MISIM TIMES ADVOCATE PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER 07511 We acknowledge the Financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs. Canada Jim Beckett – Publisher Deb Lord – Production Manager Scott Nixon – Editor 4 Published by Metroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing Ltd. Metroland 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850 Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • 519-235-1331 Peter Winkler -General Manager, Southwestern Ontario Division EDITORIAL Public interest high As s the Nov. 13 municipal elections loom closer, one thing is true after recent all andidates meetings — voters are taking an active role in this election. Recent South Huron and Bluewater all candidates meetings have been well attended, with South Huron ratepayers numbering about 150 people packing a meeting room in the Ranch House Inn last week. This is a marked improvement over previous elections, when there either weren't all candidates meetings or they were poorly attended. This time around, a num- ber of issues, such as water, sewage, agriculture and the environment, have captured the imagination of the public and spurred them to take part. While the Crediton/Centralia sewer project has been the highest profile issue at South Huron council over the past year, it's clear many Exeterites are still upset over the can- cellation of the large garbage pickup and it's some- thing the new council may have to revisit. The wishes of those people who want the pickup can't simply be ignored, although those same people might have to prepare themselves for a tax hike if the service returns. On the other hand, people need to realize the service was abused when it was available. The public, so often blamed for not taking an active role in politics or for not showing an interest in their municipalities, should be given credit for taking an interest and in asking (mostly) intelligent, thoughtful questions at last week's meetings. It's unfortunate with interest so high in South Huron, Bluewater and Lambton Shores that there are so many acclamations in Lucan Biddulph. There is, in fact, only one position on that council being contested for. Again, the mayor will be acclaimed. There are a number of acclaimed positions in Bluewater, but there are at least interesting races for mayor, deputy mayor and in the wards of Hensall and Zurich. For those in municipalities using the vote by mail method, make sure you vote. And make sure you read the instructions carefully and call your municipal office if you have any questions on how to complete your bal- lot. Indoor air quality important Now that we're in the midst of fall with the cooler temperatures, colourful leaves, meals a plenty and spending more time indoors, I thought a news release I received just the other day was a great topic for my column this week. The news release, "Cold weather means more time indoors—Time to think about the air quality in your home," actually surprised me. I've never thought about what I'm breathing in, in my home, which is kind of stupid considering my house is over 100 years old, with two dogs and five cats. Yes, between the dust and the furballs you'd think I would have actually stepped back and thought about how important clean air inside really is, but I hadn't until now. According to the news release, Health Canada and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency studies conclude indoor air is actually more polluted than outdoor air which becomes a serious health concern since the average Canadian spends 90 per cent of their time inside. Air quality indoors has become such an issue in Canada that the Lung Association has partnered with Beam Canada, a division of Electrolux Home Care Products Canada, help- ing Canadians better understand the impor- tance of good air quality in the home and how to eliminate indoor pollutants. Although the news release doesn't go into specifics regarding what health risks there are. According to the Health Canada website, health risks vary from allergies, asthma, lung cancer, respi- ratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, ear, nose, and throat irritation and inflammation; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and many others. The pollutants, according to the Lung Association are divided into two categories — biological and chemical. Biological pollutants include things like dust mites and pet dander. Chemical pollutants are things like air freshening sprays There are several things you can do to help main- tain cleaner air indoors, making your home healthi- er to live in: • Vacuum air vents and heat registers seasonally; • Use a ventilating bathroom fan and kitchen fume hood to extract humid air; • Vacuum drapes, blinds and furniture regularly; • Minimize the use of pesticides indoors by eliminating pests and the source of food; • Consider buying an PAGESair purifier with a HEPA filter; • Keep your home clutter -free to reduce the surface area on which dust can collect; • Replace traditional dusters with your vacuums brush attachment; • Install a carbon monoxide detector; • Vacuum your mattress monthly to help remove dust mites; • Wash or vacuum stuffed animals regu- larly. For more tips on how to help improve the air qual- ity in your home the Lung Association offers an interactive guide at www.yourhealthyhome.ca NINA VAN LIESHOUT KICK THIS AROUND About the Times -Advocate Address & Office Hours Times -Advocate, 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850, Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on Holidays. Contact Us By Phone or Fax Classified ad & subscription sales (519) 235-1331 24-hour automated attendant (519) 235-1336 Fax number for all departments (519) 235-0766 Subscription Rates One year rate for addresses in Canada: $40+GST Two year rate for addresses in Canada: $72+GST One year rate for addresses outside Canada: $140 Call (519) 235-1331 to order a subscription. Classified Rates Word ads: $11 for 20 words, 20(t for each additional word+ GST. Notices (births, deaths, announcements, coming events, memoriams, cards of thanks): $15 + GST for up to 50 words, All ads must be pre -paid. The classified ad deadline is Monday at 10 a.m. Display Advertising To place a display ad, (519) 235-1331 weekdays 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. or evenings (519) 235-1336 (leave mes- sage) or toll-free at 1-888-270-1602. Deadline: Fri. 2 p m. E-mail Us Web site: www.southhuron.com TA e-mail addresses consist of the person's first initial and last name followed by @southhuron.com. For example, Jim Beckett's e-mail address is <jbeck- ett@southhuron.com> Our general e-mail address is ads@southhuron.com. The Times -Advocate Team Publisher Jim Beckett ext. 109 ADVERTISING Deborah Schillemore ext. 112 EDITOR Scott Nixon ext. 105 REPORTERS Pat Bolen ext. 113 Nina Van Lieshout ext. 107 CUSTOMER SERVICE Sue Rollings ext. 101 Elaine Chipchase ext. 102 PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT Manager Deb Lord ext. 103/114 Heather Bilcke ext. 103 Kelly Gackstetter ext. 103 ACCOUNTING STAFF Anita McDonald ext. 104 Ruth Slaght ext. 106 MargPertschy ext. 111 HeatherClarke ext. 206