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The Times Advocate, 2008-09-10, Page 44 Times—Advocate Wednesday, September 10, 2008 OC Editorial Opinion 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 Deb Lord — Manager Scott Nixon — Editor it The Times -Advocate is owned by Metroland Media Group Ltd. Metroland 424 Main Street South, P.O. Box 850 Media Group Ltd. Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S6 • 519-235-1331 Doug Rowe -General Manager, Southwestern Ontario Division EDITORIAL Preparing to vote ell, here we go again — Prime Minister Stephen Harper has put the rumours to rest and officially called an Oct. 14 federal election. The question is: does anybody care? Or does anybody know why we're having an election? Supposedly a proponent of fixed election dates, Harper has ignored his earlier pledge to not have an election until 2009 and, drooling over the possibility of that elusive majority victory, is instead throwing Canadians into an election that, compared with the campaign our neighbours to the south are undergoing, lacks passion, excitement and drama. Our national leaders couldn't be less inspirational if they tried. Don't look for long, impassioned speeches from Harper or Liberal leader Stephane Dion. You won't see football stadiums full of adoring "fans" for any of our party leaders. That's just not the way things work in Canada. The main issue in our election, apparently, is that Harper wants a majority government, even though he's basically acted like he's had one ever since he was elected. And Dion and the Grits haven't done much to stop him. For Dion, his job as leader of the party is at stake. If he overcomes the odds and ekes out a minority Liberal victory he'll be fine. But it Harper wins, and the polls suggest he's within striking distance of a majority, the Liberals will find themselves looking for a new leader. Locally, the Huron -Bruce election is a little more interesting. The retirement of longtime Liberal MP Paul Steckle means Huron -Bruce residents will have them- selves new representation in Ottawa after the election. Whether it's Liberal candidate Greg McClinchey or Conservative Ben Lobb, who nearly upset Steckle the last time around, remains to be seen. Both the New Democrats and Green parties have yet to choose a can- didate for Huron -Bruce as of press time. But Huron -Bruce has been identified by pundits as an important riding, and it appears at least the Liberals agree — Dion was in Exeter in July and is to return to the riding today (Wednesday) with a stop in Walkerton. The national caucus chairperson for the Liberal Party also visited the area over the summer, as did former Liberal leadership candidate and current Dion adviser Gerard Kennedy. So it's clear we aren't being ignored, although all the Liberal activity here is likely because the party is worried that with Steckle retiring the riding is vulnerable to a Conservative victory. Like it or not, Canada, it's election time. Exeter I salute you It's been three years, one month and one day. I can't believe my time here has gone by so quick- ly, and tomorrow I will finish my last official day at the T -A. I still remember it like it was yesterday, getting hired and meeting all of my colleagues for the first time. I was nervous starting here. I had graduated from Broadcasting Journalism at Fanshawe College and didn't know a whole lot about print journalism. But I learned quickly and I learned from a great group of writers. I was thrown into the swing of things very quickly. I remember my first assignment was a blood donor clinic at the South Huron Recreation Centre. It made me feel nauseous. I also remember my fellow reporters, Scott (who is now the editor) and Pat taking me to lunch in Grand Bend. I felt weird and nauseous (just kidding), but really it was a little intimidating and awkward. I did- n't even know these guys. When we got to Grand Bend we headed first to the lawn bowling club for a picture. All three reporters for one picture. I tell you, that was the best coverage anything has ever received here at the T -A, with all three reporters being there. I've had many personal highlights over the years. I've won five awards for my work, gained many friendships and still continue to be wowed by this community. The first thing that stuck out for me when arriving at the T -A was the friendly and giving atmosphere within the Exeter area. I have never seen a community so supportive. The Exeter area always makes me proud, between the fundraisers, friendliness and fun shared with each other. I've always felt welcomed in this com- munity and have always loved being a part of it. Thank you for letting me tell your sto- ries and take your pictures week after week. I will cherish those memories and I will always remember the T -A as the starting of my career. So, what's next for me? That's a good question, and I have no answer. Next week I'm boarding a plane with a one-way ticket to Europe, and I have to say it feels liberating. I am originally from Holland and haven't seen the majority of my family for six years. Maybe I'll stay for two weeks, maybe two months. Who knows? I will be looking for a job while I'm in Holland. Where, I'm not sure; when, I'll figure it out and what, only time will tell. I do know one thing for sure though — Exeter I salute you. 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 519-235-0766 Fax number for accounting dept. 519-235-2449 Subscription Rates One year rate for addresses in Canada: $42+GST Two year rate for addresses in Canada: $75+GST One year rate for addresses outside Canada:$160+GST Call 519-235-1331 to order a subscription. Classified Rates Word ads: $13 for 20 words, 20¢ for each additional word+ GST. Notices (births, announcements, coming events, memoriams, cards of thanks): $16 + 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 message) or toll-free at 1-888-270-1602. Deadline: Fri. 2 p.m. Web site: www.southhuron.com E-mail Us TA e-mail addresses consist of the person's first initial and last name followed by @southhuron.com. For example, Deb Lord's e-mail address is dlord@southhuron.com Our general e-mail address is ads@southhuron.com. The Times -Advocate Team MANAGER Deb Lord ext. 103 ADVERTISING Deborah Schillemore ext 112 COMPOSITION Nikki Cyr ext. 101 Kelly Gackstetter ext. 101 EDITOR Scott Nixon ext. 105 REPORTERS Pat Bolen ext. 113 Nina Van Lieshout ext. 107 CUSTOMER SERVICE Jennifer Skonieczny ext. 102 ACCOUNTING STAFF Anita McDonald ext. 104 Ruth Slaght ext. 106 Marg Pertschy ext. 108 Heather Clarke ext. 111