Loading...
Clinton News-Record, 1974-11-28, Page 17Minton, Ontario Thursday, November 28, 1974 Second Section, 109 Year-48 ...... ......... Candidates Forum: The candidates speak to their voters (As a public service to the readers of the News-Record, this paper is providing, free, to each of the candidates in our area, a chance to express their views and opinions to the voters. Last week, the News- Record invited the candidates to express in 300 words or less what they thought were the issues or why they were running in the upcoming municipal election on Decem- ber 2. The voters should be cautioned, however, that not all candidates have submitted a write-up and may have ap- proached their electors in other ways.) DON SYMONS Mayor ' For the past ten years, I have accepted the responsibility of public office, representing the Town of Clinton as your Mayor. It has been exciting, stimulating and at times frustrating, but certainly an ex- perience I will never regret. At this time, I am sure you the citizens are looking forward to your Centennial year and I can assure you many people are involved in its programming. I feel quite sure that it will be a highlight of the Town of 1975. Of great concern to your council this past year was the restoration or re-building of our accommodation for the municipal services which have been rather inadequate. Your council this past year did take some positive action and were unaninious in their decision to proceed as we did. I might say.I personally feel that. action in this regard is necessary and I would hope that the council, you the people elect next year will give this top priority. Other priorities I feel should be: 1. continuation of our road re-building programme and in- corporated with this is a new street lighting programme. 2. a continued dialogue with our County in establishing a firm stand on re-structuring our gov't avoiding a regional "Grant". 3. a continual participation with our conservation authorities in establishing park areas for recreation for all ages. 4, having our Committee of Adjustment, act as independent committee. 5. formation of area or County Recreational Commit- tees. 6. economic preservation of the historical heritage of Clin- ton. In closing, I solicit your sup- port at the polls on Dec. 2 and if elected I can assure you Don Symons serves all the people, not just a few special interests. Save progress_ without sacrificing quality. TERRY MAGUIRE Mayor An election is upon us. It is an IMPORTANT election. One involving, not only the political futures of its candidates, but is as well, a crucial crossroads in the future of Clinton as an in- dependent community, The obvious involvement of the local population as well as that of aspirants for office, is a reassuring statement that Clin- tonians will not be apathetic, but rather will move forward to attain success for both com- munity and individual. Wild and irresponsible elec- tion promises do not constitute a valid concern for community affairs; nor do they have effect on an aware electorate. I stand for a platform of ef- fective and RESPONSIBLE acr tion to bring to a positive con- clusion our town's immediate and future concerns. To move ahead effectively, We Tana update our reasoning, our goals AND our facilities, Construction and renovation is definitely needed in Clinton, This can be done; but it must be done at a reasonable cost, without undue expense to the ratepayer. We need not burden ourselves with extensive costs to meet our needs. We can be functional and respectable without being extravagant. The preservation of our library is of immediate concern, To preserve is not necessarily to stagnate, It should be a com- bination of historical essence coupled with contemporary usefulness. In the same vein, recreational and functional programs for both senior citizens and youth can be con- structed at a minimal cost, Also, the hiring of town per- sonnel must be scrutinized more effectively, as the past record has certainly not been acceptable. An effective Industrial , Development Program must be instituted as it is essential to the growth of Clinton and to the prosperity of its•Citizens. These subjects and others must be confronted and dealt with by an able and dedicated local government. I, therefore, offer my services to you with the assurance that together we can establish a useful level of communication resulting in an effective course of action which will be beneficial to us all. Your good faith in issuing me a successful mandate on December 2nd will be manifest in my complete and absolute dedication to my responsibilities as your mayor. HELEN TENCH Clinton Council I was born and educated in Ottawa, and went to Queen's in Kingston to obtain my univer- sity degree. I am a Public Accountant and have' been in that business most of my working life, in practice on my own since 1948, first in Ottawa, now in Clinton, where I, have lived for The past two-and-a-half years. My platform is: • as many open meetings as possible. • availability--since my of- fice is in my home, I can be reached during the day as well as in the evening. If you have a municipal problem, I will try to help. Just call me at 482-9962. • about contract tendered and employees hired: lay down a policy--and stick to it. • decent sidewalks, • honesty--give no favors, take none. • the best, for the most, at the least cost, ERNEST BROWN Clinton Council I have been privileged to serve as chairman of the Public Works Department in our town for the 1973-74 term. We have endeavored during this time to improve the roads and sidewalks in our com- munity. Many streets have been reconstructed in the past two years, with more requiring reconstruction over the next few years. The employees of our department have installed all storm sewers on the streets reconstructed in 1974, this was done in order to reduce the overall cost to the ratepayers. Some people may feel the ex- penditures of this department were high, but I think all pur- chases were justified. Several time-saving devices were pur- chased to aid in the proper maintenance of our streets and equipment. RUTH E. ROY Clinton Council During the past two years on council, I have gained con- siderable knowledge and background information on the 'workings. of municipal govern- ment, hence, I would like to serve one more term so that I may use my experience and iin. derstanding for the benefit of the citizens of Clintoh. The other member's of the council have been pleasant, congenial and co-operative to work with, they have looked af- ter the affairs of the town with care,, concern, and compassion, and for these qualities I highly commend them. I am anxious to'eee that the council of '75.'76, armed with opiniene, ideas, and suggestions will make an in-depth study On the 'accommodations for our Municipal and police Offices, following the wishes Of the majority and keeping tight rein on the costs. It is my sincere hope that the citizens of Clinton will exercise their right to vote on Dec. 2nd, JIM SWITZER Clinton Council Jim is 20 years old, and has been a resident of Clinton all his life. Since graduation from Central Huron Secondary School, he has been employed as a clerk at Korner Recreation. Jim is active in youth ac- tivities and sports in town. He has refereed in the Clinton minor hockey system, and acted as coach for the junior bowlers. He also takes an interest in baseball, and this year coached the Clinton Sluggers women's team. Jim was the first president of the Junior Conversation Club when it was organized, and helped draft a set of by-laws and constitution. He is presen- tly a member of the Fish and Game Club. He believes there must be more honesty and frankness to the public about council affairs and expenditures. He will work for more balanced represen- tation of all groups, in council. IRENE OKAHASHI Clinton Council I was born in British Colum- bia and attended schools in Mission City, B.C. and in Southern Alberta, I have been a resident of Clinton since 1961, and have been in the coin laundry and drycleaning service business since 1962. Previous to this, I have had two years experience in a bank and six years as a civil servant in two countries, Canada and France, . doing,. stenographic, work as well as bookkeeping. I have followed the reports on council meetings with in- terest. We should have more openness with the public with regards to decisions, hiring and firing of town employees as this involves taxpayers' money. Lists of those personnel who have applied for jobs and their qualifications should be made public. Tenders for contracts and prices should also be revealed and why the decisions are made on them. I feel that it would be an asset to our town to see if there is a way to preserve our existing library and town hall buildings as there are no other old public buildings left. I shall support proposals that are best for the people of Clin- ton, and speak out against proposals that will mean un- necessary spending of taxpayers money. I shall try to uphold these principles with honesty and openness. As a citizen and businesswoman, I am asking for your support as councillor on Dec. 2, 1974. JIM HUNTER Clinton Council The day is now drawing close on which we the citizens of Clinton must make a decision that will affect how our com- munity is run over the next two years. These coming years are of crucial importance to our town, as we will be affected by many outside sources trying to change our way of life. As a councillor dealing with these changes, I would be guided by several basic precepts in which I believe strongly. These are that change is not always for the better, and that bigger and newer is not necessarily an im- provement. I am not against improving our municipality and making it a better place in Which to live; however, I am Opposed to things which will decrease the high quality of life in our town or which try to change it to an imitation of life in the cities, which we have rejected by choosing to live in Clinton. Let us hold oh to those things Which Make our town unique, while at the same time en- suring that Clinton will un- dergo an orderly growth and a steady improvement of the facilities 'hich serve us, a 28 year-old teacher who is married to a third generation Clintonian, and have two pre-school children, I was born and raised in Goderich of a family which has been in Huron County for over 100 years. My family has a long history of service ranging from cabinet minister to mayors, councillors and town solicitor. I have spent the last seven years teaching in a small Nor- thern Ontario, community and returned to Clinton for the summer months and holidays. I chose to make my home in Clinton and wish to help keep it a pleasant place to live. Help me to help you. ROY WHEELER Clinton Council Thank you for the privilege of serving you on council for the 1973-4 term, Having arranged the plan- ting of 100 trees this term of of- fice, I would like to be able to continue this program for the next two years. A lot of the existing trees are decaying and must be replaced. I am hoping to start a programme to encourage each taxpayer to purchase a Centen- nial Tree to be planted in 1975, A great part of the beauty of the town are the trees. Please let's keep it that way. Municipal Buildings: The accomodation of the town's Police Force must be improved, existing sanitation facilities are totally inadequate, and must be up- dated. Please help council in this matter and use the opinion vote. The many hours spent atten- ding council and committee meetings, and the help given to me by the more experienced members of Council, and literature acquired at the con- ventions I have attended which I have spent many hours studying, and by using ' the Municipal Act which I did not receive until August of 1974, I feel I am in a better position to serve you for another term if permitted, and in which I shall work just as hard as I have this term. I hope to see some arrangements made regarding the disposition of leaves in the future, there has not been time to resolve the problem this year. Please come out to vote. Good luck to all my fellow can- didates. BUFF THOMPSON PUC, Clinton Duff Thompson came to Clin- ton in 1955 with his wife and two children, Peter and Carol. He has been associated as a partner with C.H. Epps Mfg. and Hearn Wholesale till 1974 and is now retired. He is a graduate engineer and served as an engineer of- ficer in the Navy in World War II. He has been active in Boy Scouts at municipal, county and provincial levels. He is a past president of Clinton Lions' Club and a member of the Canadian Legion. He has been active in Clinton municipal aff- firs and has served first as a Councillor and then as Reeve. Duff has a working knowledge of waterworks, sewage disposal, and electrical power. He now has time and feels he is well qualified to serve the ratepayers of Clinton on the Clinton Public Utilities Commission and is offering his services as a candidate for same at the forthcoming municipal elections on Dec, 2, Duff feels that with the un- certain economic conditions we . are now experiencing, we should first develop a policy of good maintenance to our present facilities and a cautious look at capital expenditures. Duff is not against capital ex- penditures and improvement, but feels that caution and research should be exercised to be sure that all such expen- ditures will not only meet present, but future needs and the tax payers approval. Vote Duff Thompson for Clinton P.V.C. on Dec, 2, ADDIE JUTZI Tuckersmith COuncil In takiwv advantage of the Clinton News Record's offer to carry a statement from can- didates for public office in our area, I would like to make clear that I have no axe to grind with the former council, nor have I any "grand plan" to alter the way of life in Tuckersmith which my wife and I have come to appreciate and enjoy since coming from Kitchener two and one half years ago. I would like to quickly review my background, I am 54 years of age, born and raised on a farm near Baden, Ontario, My first job was as a factory worker for the Forsyth Shirt Factory in' Kitchener. My wife and I then operated a restaurant in Kitchener for six years. Then, I spent six years at Nels Shantz Studebaker. Packard Motors in Kitchener as a salesman and then as sales manager. After that I opened and operated my own paint and carpet business in Kitchener, which I ran for 15 years prior to joining my present employers as manager of the Base Factory Outlet at Vanastra. I am married; my wife's name is Lorrie. We have 2 boys, Dale who is married and working in Kitchener, and Perrey at CHSS in Clinton. I have always been interested in civic affairs and I feel that the location of my home and business at Vanastra will make me readily and easily accessible to anyone in the township who has a problem related to the township, that they want to discuss. I feel I have the time, I know I have the interest and I hope my experience would allow me to make a useful con- tribution to the Tuckersmith Township council and I respec- tfully solicit your support at the polls on December 2nd. MARILYN KUNDER Board of education Seaforth, Stanley, Tuckersmith, Bayfield As a candidate for the position of trustee on the Huron County board of education, I feel I have six years experience to offer. I -am a housewife, married to Don Kunder and we have three children, Susan age 15, Nancy 13, and David 9, The high quality of education in Huron County must be con- tinued and I feel I can con- tribute to this by serving on the various committees of the board. In the past two years, I have been on the following committees: vice chairman of the education committee; out- door education, Field Trips; utilization of educational facilities; trainable retarded committee; the education com- mittee of the Huron-Perth T.B. and Respitory Association; the teacher-trustee-administration liason committee; and a budget committee. In the future I will have to make myself more accessible to the public. Little concern has been shown at the various ratepayer meetings I have at- tended. This is one of the few ways that a trustee can keep the public more informed. I hope to see the industrial arts and home economics program expanded throughout the county to all grades seven and eight. I ask for your support on December 2nd, HARVEY HAMMOND Board of education Seaforth, Tuckersmith, Stanley, Bayfield To the electors of Tucker- smith, Stanley, Seaforth, Bayfield, Egmondville, Vanastra and Harperhey. I was born and raised in Ox- ford County, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Cleo Hammond, a prosperous dairy farmer. I at- tended public school in South Norwich school section for eight years and Mt. Elgin con- tinuation school until 1951, During my career, I have had 14 years of selling on a direct basis with all walks of life, far- Tilers and business people alike, which has given me a great eight into community and business affairs. Five years ago, I bought iny own farm and farmed in Huron County until I was forced to sell because of a permanent in- jury. Since that time, I have been property manager for several individuals and two companies in a successful en- deavor, In 1974, I was for- tunate enough to attain the ap- pointment of clerk of the second Small Claims Court left vacant by the retirement of Mrs, Mary Nediger of Clinton. With the experience that I have had, and the enthusiasm that I carry for the benefit of the voters of the Huron County board of education, your vote is respectfully solicited on Dec. 2. DR. MORGAN SMITH Board of education Bayfield, Stanley, Tuckersmith, Seaforth. Seaforth Over the past 15 years, we have spent a great many tax dollars to produce modern buildings and equipment for our pupils and have increased the numbers of teachers. Never- theless, student achievement has deteriorated. The number of years in school has in- creased, yet the product of a well-rounded entry into adulthood does not compare favourably with his elders in the period of the baby boom of the early post-war years, when all our resources were strained. Universities and colleges are all finding that freshmen are inadequately prepared in English. If this supposedly best trained ten percent of the product of our schools has a large proportion incapable of satisfactory oral or verbal ex- pression, what can be said for the . remainder who drop out along, the line? They no longer have standard examinations to test their skills, no longer have class grading to challenge their performance, and there are no more failures since all progress to the next grade. In order to learn, discipline is just as necessary as en- couragement. The aim should be to instill self discipline. Yet one trouble maker in a class can disrupt the learning of the rest, and our schools are not coping with this problem. We are expending our efforts on the poorest one or two percent, to the detriment of the majority who must support them for the rest of their lives. This majority needs much higher skills if' they are to continue the burden. We have failed to use our biological knowledge that all children are not equal. We ad- mit.to kindergarten on a cut-off date, so that one child who is a day younger than another is forced to wait a 'further year before entry, even if he is much more physically and mentally mature. He then finds himself locked into a progression of yearly promotion, for there are no more failures or rewards. He starts his adult work-life one year later, And all this is because of administrative con- venience, If you agree with my obser- vations, I solicit your vote. CHARLES SCANLON Hullett, Deputy-reeve I would like to express my appreciation for this oppor- tunity to introduce myself to the electors of Hullett Town- ship, I'm seeking re-election as deputy-reeve of Hullett after having been a member of coun- cil for the past eight years, I am interested in the ad- ministration of municipal government, which has seen many changes in recent years, Today, there is more ad. ministration at the county levels, including the County Assessement Commission, the County Library, the Planning Board, the Development Board, etc, I believe there will 134 more changes in the years ahead and I believe this is a step in the right direction at a time when regional government is in the offing, I believe it would be in the best interests of Huron County if it could be a region within its own boundaries. The Health Council which is being proposed, would include Huron in with five counties including "our cities, certiprieitig a population of 550,000 people, Huron has a population of some 52,000, Do you think Huron County would have any say in the policies and plan- ning? We would be numerically right out of it. People in Huron County are very disturbed with the proposals outlined in the Mustard Report. In a debate in the Provincial House on November 5 on the Mustard Report, Jack Riddell, The Huron MP, and Murray Gaunt, the Huron-Bruce MP, spoke during the debate on the size of the health Council which Huron might become a part of. The Honorable Mr. Miller replied: I tend to agree with the honorable members that the area specified was very large and unwieldy and therefore subject to review and change and suggested Huron and Perth might be one Health Planning Council. I think this is very en- couraging news. I would like to wish everyone • the complements of the season, JOHN JEWITT Hullett Reeve Having spent my entire life in Hullett Township I am vitally interested in the com- munity. I have spent seven years on township council and have always tried to state my position on issues so that the involved ratepayers knew how I stood. I feel the most pressing issue in this election is in restoring the respect of the county of- ficials in the leadership of Hullett Township. I am happily married and the father of five children. I pledge that if I am successful in this election I will serve to the best of my ability, I feel that I have the necessary time to conduct the affairs of the township in a businesslike manner and also feel that the duties of Reeve of the township do not have to take as much time as they do now. I would also like to state that I am proud of my attendance record at township meetings and various meetings of boards to which I have been a member. I would like to point out that I believe in being on time for meetings. I have attended many meetings this past year where the presence of a mem- ber of council was requested and I was the only Hullett council member present. I have always tried to present a strong attitude towards the officials in charge of the Hullett Wildlife Area and feel that this has played a large part in the co-operation which now appears to be present. I thank the people of Hullett Township for the opportunity of serving this past seven years and would like to assure them that any support they can see fit to give us at this time would be greatly appreciated. MARGARET (PEGGY) MENZIES Board of Education Hullett, McKillop, Clinton To the electors of Blyth, Clinton, Hullett and McKillop: I seek to solicit your support for me as a member of the board of education for Huron County. Some aspects of my background - • child of an educator and conscious of the significance of the School Board in the com- munity. 4 I • qualified teacher in the secondary school system having taught both in Toronto and in Huron County. • parent of four children nresently in the school. system. • taxpayer in Huron County for a number of' years, o administrative experience in various volunteer organizations including two years as trustee on the Provin- cial Board of birectors for Hospital Auxiliaries. Board of education in Huron County is big bueinessi We must ensure that best value is being received for the $12 tnillion budget that is ad- Ministered annually, Truetees are also responsible for Setting educational policies and laying out the academic and technical programmes required ' in our school system, I am particularly interested in youth activities, and wish to become involved in the plan, ning of •their educational programmes. For the above reasons, I solicit your support at the polls Monday, December , 2. Vote Margaret Menzies. GREG BRANDON Hullett Council After completing grade 12, I worked as parts manager for a farm machinery dealer. However, having been born and raised on a farm in Hullett township, it seemed a good place to live and raise a family, I am married, with two small children, and have been far- ming here for five years. Since farming now is a business enterprise requiring sound judgment, I feel any knowledge I have acquired could be put to use for the good of our community. The main challenge facing our township is keeping the decisions and needs of our municipality in the hands of an interested local council; staving off the threat of provincially imposed regional government, which would add enormously to our tax burden, while causing deterioration in our services. If elected, I would try at all times to work with the ratepayers on any problems within the council's jurisdic- tion. RALPH BUFFINGA Hullett Council I am married with a family of two children, and at present time, I am employed by Cyanamid Farm Supply Centre, RR 4, Clinton. The position I hold there is plant manager. The reason I am running for Township council is, I feel to keep out regional government. We as ratepayers of the town- ship should run our own town- ships, and not let someone many miles away do it. Another reason is that I would like to see Hullett town- ship have its own land develop- ment plan, but not one that was dictated by someone far away who does not see our local problems. I have not been on council work before, but will put all ef- fort into it I've got, and with past experience by meeting the public with my position, I feel I receive a broader scope of everyone's feelings in the town- ship, from north to south and east to west. I would appreciate your full support at the polls on Decem- ber 2. Let's make this a record year for your attendance at the polls. Thank you. GARNET WRIGHT Goderich Twp. Council If I'm elected by you on December 2, I will continue to work in the best interests of the Township of Goderich and the surrounding community. Having completed four years, as a councillor in Goderich Township, I solicit your vote 'for another term, DONALD S. McKEE Board of education Twps. Goderich, Colborne In a few days most of us will have the opportunity to decide who will be our reeve, councillor, ,or school trustee, I have ofteh wondered what motivates people who run for public office, and even more I have wondered what the qualities are which cause one candidate to succeed and another to fail, In my campaign, I have tried to offer definite ideas for your acceptance or rejection. Possibly the reason I got in- volved in this election is because things have been hap- pening to education in recent years that bother me. It bothers me that our board has so few direct contacts with the people in the front line of education, the student, the (continued on page 7A) .