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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2016-11-09, Page 9Once again, heated arguments during Huron East council Shaun Gregory Postmedia Network In govemment, whether it be our federal, provincial, munici- pal or any other office in the world such as the Cabinet of the U.S., tension cultivates and ver- bal exchanges can become heated; at the municipality of Huron East council meeting October 18 that is exactly what happened. Conferring from several poli- ticians, this is a regular happening. Not afraid to ever speak up, Tuckersmith Coun. Ray Char- trand spoke after a request from some members of council; he addressed the Mayor of Huron East Bernie MacLellan regard- ing an additional initiative com- parable to the Strategic Plan. According to Chartrand it seemed uncertain and confusing. From concerned comments by Chartrand, Grey Ward Coun. Dianne Diehl and Brussels councillor, John Lowe, it's pur- ported that MacLellan has attempted to tag along with the municipality of Bluewater because they have an interest in undertaking a recreational study. What would you want me to report, you're implying that something has been upheld and that's a load of crap." — Mayor of Huron East Funded by the same depart- ment as Vicki Lass from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the mayor said they would be will- ing to do a more "regional view," rather than focusing on just one municipality. The project, which is headed by Lass, is known as the Strate- gic Plan and it's targeted to help with the net losses from all three recreational facilities in Huron East. "We have never, ever talked about this topic," Chartrand said to the mayor. "Who is lead- ing this initiative? What's the end goal? What other munici- palities have you been talking to?" "How's it being funded, does staff have to apply for a grant or some kind of program? We are very unclear" To MacLellan's knowledge, there was not much informa- tion given by Bluewater and CAO of Huron East, Brad Knight said the same in a recent interview. "They're going to do a study on our behalf, they are just ask- ing for a list of things that we would like to have reviewed," explained MacLellan. Diehl recounted the night when the two of three manag- ers first heard the news from the mayor about the study; "they sat there like a deer in the headlights (and) by the look on their faces they had no clue what was going on:' "I apologize if you think I'm out of line, we've been through this before, we need to include everyone when their positions are being dis- cussed," she said. The mayor responded by saying, "at what point do peo- ple need to be included here, the day I found out, I told Brad:' "What would you want me to report, you're implying that something has been upheld and that's a load of crap:' Since there are not many details that have been pro- vided, Knight has taken the initiative to send a letter to Bluewater asking them to elaborate on the recreational study. A few months back, the mayor told council at an annual meeting, he had received emails saying Huron East was "dysfunctional." As a result of some previous argu- ments between council, the Expositor has heard similar statements from a few sources that prefer to remain anonymous. From conversations with the Huron -Bruce Conserva- tive MP Ben Lobb, the Exposi- tor has learned that compara- ble instances occur in Huron County as well as the House of Parliament. Deliberations are part of normal government proceed- ings as long as they are profes- sional, he said. However he admitted sometimes they can turn personal. "You are going to have good debates, carbon tax is one we are talking about and many others and that's going to hap- pen," explained Lobb October 28 in a phone interview. "We have many disagreements, both in public and in cam- era, you know what, that's politics." "And sometimes you have to let the other bunch know that you are not going to be pushed around. Wednesday, November 9, 2016 • News Record 9 File photo Some of council exchanged words with the Mayor of Huron East, Bernie MacLellan about an issue of miscommunication. Choose with confidence! Harbour Hill, Goderich's all inclusive retirement community, is base in professional customized care but it doesn't stop there. We are committed to making your move as stress free as possible and it starts with us listening to what your concerns are Let us show you how a move to Harbour Hill can be effortless. Call us today to book your personalized visit and enjoy lunch on us. 104 Suncoast Drive East, Goderich harbourhillsuites.com • 519.440.0110 Independent and enhanced care. Short term and recuperative stays.