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The Citizen, 2010-12-09, Page 26PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2010. Continued from page 1 the composition of Huron County Council going into the next term. New Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan says that it was a relief to him to hear this, not only because Huron East would keep its current level of representation, but because he felt the MPAC system was flawed from the beginning. “I think it’s the right thing to do,” he said. MacLellan said that it’s fair to keep Huron County Council’s composition the same as it has been for the previous term. He said that while members of Huron East staff knew there were problems with the voter list they had received from MPAC, as a small municipality, there would be no way they could challenge it. “The amount of time it would take a small municipality like us to go through all of that... it would be tough to do,” he said. “Hopefully there will be a better system in the future.” MacLellan says that having a councillor, in addition to the mayor and the deputy-mayor is important for a municipality the size of Huron East. “It’s certainly important for Huron East. We’re one of the biggest municipalities in the county. Having three representatives seems appropriate in order to serve the area and its people.” Municipalities keep their seats Continued from page 1 that it turned out to be a false alarm, because if it had been a real emergency, who knows what could have happened. “Is it going to take a life being lost before people see this is ridiculous?” she asked. “We have 250 people in this village who are governed by three different municipalities.” Jim agreed, saying that seeing just what the level of confusion surrounding the situation is has made him feel that there is still plenty of work to be done. “Well my opinion of it certainly isn’t any better since this happened,” he said. “I think this really brings the confusion to light, but I never, ever, dreamt that it would get this bad.” Schneider’s home, which is in the Central Huron portion of Auburn, is currently under a new fire agreement that will be reviewed by the new council, as it takes office this week. North Huron Fire Chief John Black is scheduled to appear at Central Huron’s Committee of the Whole meeting on Dec. 21 to present a detailed budget to Central Huron Council, a request that came as part of the agreement signed earlier this year. He will also field any questions that Central Huron Council has regarding the fire agreement. Schneider stresses that the problem with the situation has never been with the fire departments, saying that it has always been a political issue that has caused much confusion throughout the village. Schneider says that since amalgamation, even with other services, such as recycling and garbage collection and snow removal, Auburn residents have been left confused as to what services they are afforded, depending on what part of the village they live in. Dorothy said that she was amazed at how the couple’s home appeared untouched when they arrived, despite the fact that members of the fire department had been through, gaining access through a small side window. She said the only way she knew someone had been in the house was the handwritten note left to her by North Huron Fire Department Deputy-Chief David Sparling, explaining what had happened. She said that area firefighters are some of the best in the province, but that the coverage system needs to be revamped in order to put people at a higher level of importance than municipal boundaries. “They’re super guys. They came in through a locked window, there was no damage. It’s amazing,” Jim said. “But it’s all about politics and money. How can you compare that to lives?” Schneider hopesfor resolution The table’s set The weekend’s holiday home tour to benefit Bicycles for Humanity made its way through Blyth on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, stopping at Steven and Laurie Sparling’s home. Admiring the table all ready for Christmas dinner are, from left: Cheryl Bakelaar, Jill Wiersma and Brian Wiersma. (Jim Brown photo) Some pointers There were some pointers being given on Saturday at the Auburn Christmas Bazaar at the Huron Chapel Evangelical Missionary Church, which raised money for the Huron County HIV/AIDS Network. From left: Dianne Baan, Shirley Stoll and Marie Scott get some pointers from Tracey McKee of Walton, right, independent senior consultant with The Pampered Chef. (Jim Brown photo) Can’t decide what to give for Christmas? FOR A BOOK A gift certificate lets the recipient choose the book they want. We have shelves of books to choose from. Everything from books on trains to gardening to cookbooks. The Citizen 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114 404 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. ALL ARE IN COLOUR 4x6 - $4.00 5x7 - $5.00 8x10 - $8.00 Phone to order ~ 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 Get wedding advice and tips, see a case study and read about local brides on the Brides in Huron section of our website www.northhuron.on.ca