Times Advocate, 1994-12-7, Page 3IW TF -TF NEWS
Town to fight latest suit
from former pollee chief
The chief is arguing the
force should not have
been disbanded without
granting him severance
EXETER - Town council gave their approval
Monday evening to fight the latest legal battle with
former police chief Jack Harkness.
Town administrator Rick Hundey presented a let-
ter from town lawyer John Judson, which explains a
"new angle" being taken by Harkness against the
town, and now the Civilian Commission on Police
Services.
Harkness had previously filed suit against the
town for loss of income and pain and suffering, to -
tailing S500,000.
Harkness is now challenging the Commission's
December 1, 1993 decision to conclude the dis-
bandment of the town police force. Because Hark-
ness was not awarded any severance pay at the time
of disbandment, his lawyer is arguing the dis-
bandment was contrary to the Police Services Act.
Judson, however, is advising council that since
HaAtness never requested severance pay at the time
of disbandment, his claim has expired.
Harkness, presently employed by the OPP, is ask-
ing for the severance pay plus coverage of his legal
fees.
Judson is hopeful "this can be nipped in the bud.
There are no grounds for the action, in Mr. Judson's
view", said Hundey.
Council agreed to let Judson go ahead with the
town's defense of the town.
Klopp to seek re-election
Huron NDP gave him complete support for 495
By Fred Groves
T -A staff
CLINTON - In 1990, moments
after he was elected Huron MP,
Paul Klopp said that it was time for
a change.
Sometime in 1995, the Zurich
farmer will be hoping the voters
don't keep up that attitude but de-
cide to re-elect the New Democrat-
ic Party incumbent.
In front of a crowd of about 70
people in the Clinton Town Hall on
Thursday, Klopp went uncontested
as no one else was nominated.
When reminded of what he said
four years ago about the public
wanting a change, Klopp re-
sponded, "we made a commitment.
1 think we showed we can manage
the store, (provincial budget) and
people understand that."
I think in 1990, people didn't
buy the argument that everything
was great and were having an elec-
tion just because I (Liberals) need
to call it."
The PC's have Helen Johns, the
NDP's have shown their confidence
in Klopp, what about the Liberals?
"It's not a concern to me," said
Klopp. "They'll be making their de-
cision. I've been involved in pol-
itics in Huron County a long time
with the NDP, you pick your time."
While decisions are being made
around the county to who will be
representing each party, one de-
cision, just when the election will
be called, is still not certain.
"It has to be held in 1995, it's an
election year," said Klopp. "We've
(NDP) got lots to do, I'll just keep
working away."
Thursday night, the guest speaker
was Bob Huget, Minister Without
Portfolio for the Ministry of Ec-
onomic Development and Trade
who said, "I'm proud of the Rae
government and I'm proud of the
NDP and people like Paul Klopp."
In 1990 when he beat Tory Ken
Campbell and Liberal Jim Fitz-
gerald, Klopp immediately had the
complete confidence of the Huron
NDP. That was shown again when
he was clearly the only one they
wanted to represent their party in
1995.
"I wasn't expecting anyone, but
under our rules there can be a mem-
ber in good standing run at any
time and I respect that," said
Klopp.
"I always run to win, I run on
policy. We got elected (1990) at the
toughest time when there was no
money."
Huron NDP candidate Paul Klopp gets an endorsement from
Bob Huget, Minister without portfolio for the Ministry of Eco-
nomic Development.
Lucan reeve outlines challenges
facing council for the year 1995
LUCAN - After the swearing in
of the new council and Hydro com-
missioners Thursday night, Lucan
reeve Tom McLaughlin outlined
some of the significant challenges
facing council during the next three
years.
While welcoming new councillor
Rosemary Oahlinger-Beaune, the
reeve added, " I must say that we
will miss retiring Bryan Smith. He
had a wealth of experience and cer-
tainly had a strong feel for the
pulse of the village."
On challenges, McLaughlin be-
gan, " The cost of operating our
sewage treatment plant presents us
with a tough decision. Our options
include continuing to have OWCA
operate it, engage a private firm or
hire someone and operate it our-
selves."
The need for a new library build-
ing is evident and was a very high
priority on voter's minds during the
past election. Harry Wraith and my-
self attended a meeting last week
with the county and Middlesex
Board of Education when we dis-
cussed. grant monies. This will be
an agenda item on our December 6
meeting.
Promotion of the village and revi-
talization of the downtown area is
most worthy of our attention. How-
ever, I believe that all the stake-
holders, business and service clubs
must be active in this venture and
council cannot or should not be ex-
pected to carry the bail on it's own.
During the last 28 months we had
52 housing unit starts and I expect
that rate of growth will continue
during this term. We are currently
looking at two areas where plans of
subdivision have or soon will be
filed. This will result in our plan-
ning committee being very busy. I
think we want to be fair to the de
velopers but must also make sure
we have the best interests of the
current residents covered as well.
We have had a study done on
amalgamation this fall and depend-
ing on what happens at the county
level, I think we should proceed
with serious talks with Biddulph
and our residents regarding this
study.
With regards to public works, su-
perintendent Doug Johnston and
clerk Ron Reymer have developed
a five year plan that we need to
consider. During the next two years
we must complete 'our infrastruc-
ture projects, especially the infiltra-
tion work.
At the provincial level the trend
has been to download costs and re-
sponsibilities and I think that will
continue even if 1995 sees a
change in government. Therefore
we must ensure that we are posi-
tioned properly for the inevitable.
The last challenge is taxation.
Everyone is aware that the public is
very concerned about taxes today
and 1 think this council must be
certain that it gets the biggest re-
turn possible for its tax dollars and
hold the line on increases.
staff, therefore I encourage each of
you to work hard during the next
three years to ensure that Lucan re-
mains an excellent community. I
pass on a quote that I recently read
"politicians must always remember
that they are appointed and not
anointed."
Also sworn in were Lucan Hydro
Commission chairman Andy Van
()eel and a newcomer Jim Freeman
who was Hydro manager for many
years.
Van Oeel said Lucan Hydro
serves the residents of Lucan, Ailsa
Craig and Charlton. The Lucan of-
fice handles meter readings and
billings in Lucan and billings for
Alias Craig.
On rates, Van Gee! said, " For
this year there were no increases.
There may be a slight rise in 1995
and nominal increases if any for
1996 and 1997,"
Times -Advocate, December 7, 1994
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