The Goderich Signal-Star, 1974-11-28, Page 1 (2)7+^
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THURSDAY/NOVEMBER 28, 1974
5
Candidates for mayor
BY DEB SHIEWFELT
CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR
• D
1. We've heard a good deal
about conflict of interest in the
past two years. In your opinion:
a. What constitutes a cbn-
flict of Interest?
A ' conflict of interest is
created when a person fails to
notify the other members and '
excuse himself from discussion
and voting on any 'matter in
which he could have personal
or financial gain.
b. Should candidates
declare a possible • area of
• conflict of interest during an
election campaign? Why?
- • Yes. It is my feeling that the
people should be notified in ad-
vance of an election by the 'can-
didate making full disclosure of
any p ons a mWcr" eaf"e e
feeling of a conflict .of interest
in the future.
c.'Can a man or woman fun-
ction effectively on a public,
council or board with a- con=•
fleet of interest?
Since a conflict of 'interest
can only develop when a man
or woman fails to notify the
other members of a board or
council of interests that would
benefit him directly or indirec-
tly in any issue, there is no
----reason why -he cannot, function
•effectively as a member. In this
capacity he _excuses himself
from any discussion on the
matter and refrains from•
voting.
d. When an elected official
declines to take part in a
_ discussion or to vote a par-
ticular issue because of a
conflict of interest, does it
weaken the public body on
which that official serves?
Why?
No. Because a person does.
not discuss an issue; he is
giving the other members the
right to base their decision on
their • own discussion without
any influence from hisremark.
e.,.Do you have a conflict~ of
Interest?
No. I do not have a conflict
of interest. To. avoid this I have
always disclosed any direct or
indirect interest I might have
and subsequently left council
chambers during discussion
and voting.
* * *
2. The mayor is the head of
council, In your opinion:
a. is . 'the. previous ex-
perience on municipal council
necessary to become mayor?
In my opinion it is necessary
and desirable that a mayor.
have previous council ex-
perience.
b. Should the people expect
the mayor of a municipality
Such as Goderich to attend all
meetings, public functions
and conventions on their
behalf, or should the mayor be
free to delegate alternatives
from his council oh occasion?
meetings, and public functions
and conventions as a represen-
tative of the people whenever
possible, but when conflicting
functions make this impossible
he should feel free to send
other delegates in order that
Goderich has representation.
c. Would a fulltime mayor be
desirable In Goderich? Why?
It might be desirable in the
future but not at the present
time. The mayor should be
_available but we..do have a
competent'full"time staff in the
municipal building that can
adequately handle the day to
day business needs of the town.
• What salary should a
fulltiMe mayor receive?
A full time mayor should
receive a salary and expenses
that would compensate for the
wages he wasreceiving at the
time of leaving his profession
or job.
e. Would the election of a
fulltime mayor seriously
reduce .the number of eligible
men and women in the com-
munity who =could' serve?*
(refer
erge?-
(refer to your answers to. the
previous two questions)
The number- of eligible
people who could serve as a full
time mayor would be greatly
reduced because the term of
4
AL -ST
swer Signal
'SECOND, SECTION
ti
mayor is for only two years and
this would necessitate the ter-
mination of his regular em-
ployment.
**
3. The reeve and deputy -
reeve represent the
municipality at the county
level. In your opinion:
a. Are local councils well
enough informed about the
happenings at county coup-
-ci.l?
As a reeve I always brought
any information that pertained
to Goderich back to the local
council.
- b. Should Goderic.h
representatives on county
council be more -parochial in
their participation there, or
should they strive for a wider
and more general understan-
ding of all municipalities
within the county and those
problems peculiarto the
county system?
Goderich representatives cin
• County Council should have a
wide scope of Huron County in
general. Although. Goderich is
their primeinterest they should
have a good understanding of
the rest of the municipalities in
the County since they are all
•
tar
BY HARRY BOSNELL
CANDIDATE' FOR MAYOR
1. We've heard ' a good deal
about conflict of interest in the.,
past two years. In your opinion:
a. What constitutes a con-
flict of interest?
It's a situation wherein a
member of Council,, his family
and/or associates ould again
.financially by reaso of his par-
ticipation in the policy making
process. .
b. Should candidates
declare a possible area of
conflict of interest during an
election campaign? Why?
Yes, - The .Electorate should .
know so that it can decide
whether or not to elect a can-
didate who may be less effec-
tive because of the conflict.
effectively on a public
under the same County Depart- having a growing council or board with a con-
ments such as Board of Health, and commercial assessment flict of interest?
• Yes - Providing the areas of
School' Board and Welfare and this"has offset the need for conflict were of such a minor
system. increased residential taxes.
c. Should Goderich, nature so as not to affect the
*
representatives to county 6. There ,are always corn- members ability to perform,
council make regular reports plaints about roads. In your d. When an .elected official
to their colleagues about • opinion: declines to take part in a
county business?a. Is . Goderich's roaddiscussion
ticular .issue because of a
discussion or to vote a par-
•
Yes. The minutes of all prograadequate? conflict of interest, does it
county meetings should be Because the road program weaken the public body on
made available to all local Va., just been introduced in the Which that official serves?
Council members. past two years with the paving .Why? -
* -* * of t a Warren St-, I feel -that it " 4. There have been problems in should he extended and more Yes =The 'Public "Body or
Board is definitely weakened
the past two years between money spent • on the roads. when some of the membership
neighboring municipalities. In Since the cost of oil, tar wand must decline discussion and
your opinion: chili_and calcium has increased •
a. Is this a real problem? dra.;. astically in the past year a voting due to conflict of in-
terest. A Municipal - Council
I feel 'that any real problent . rod program should be ern- requires all of its members to
that could have arisen between plementcd to include more per- be effective to satisfy the
Goderich-,. and neighbouring manent paving. Due to present ratepayers demands. ,In the
municipalities have been war- economic conditions I think it case of the Mayor's position, he
. ded off through communication . wuuid he wise to produce a ° should be free of all ion, h -
and discussion. budget that would not increase brances in order to provide the
m
* * * taxes.
5. 'Soaring tax bills are 7 Goderich
everyone's concern. In your • Prettiest Town
opinion: your opinion:
a. Are taxes in Goderich a. Is that so?
unusually high? '7. "Goderich is The Prettiest .
• Goderich taxes •are nc � ,. Town in Canada. •
unusually high when you con: b..11 not, why not? if yes,
seder the services provided. what is your plan to preserve
Goderich has been fortunate in cc,ntinued on page 2A•)
industrial
is called The
in Canada. In
unbiased 'leadership . required.
e. Do you hive a conflict of,
interest?
•
No.
. '***
2. The mayor is 'the head of
council. 'In your opinion:
a. Is previous experience on
ice al council harass
to become mayor? ,
No It is possible that this
could be an asset as a change in
personnel could bring about a
fresh approach to the operation
of .Council.
b. Should -the people expect
the mayor of a municipality .
such as Goderlch to attend all
meetings; public function's
and conventions on Abell'
behalf, or should the mayor be
free to delegate. alternatives,.
from his council' on occasion?
The Mayor should be free to
attend all important meetings
functions and• applicable con-
ventions. However, delegation
of alternatives from Council is
very important and. must be
considered whenever feasible.
c. Would a fulltime m,ayortbe
desirable M Goderich? Why?
i:on of.
full' time. responsibility' regar-
dless of whether or not it 'is .
classed as such by the Statutes.
Becaugie of the constant ex-
posure in a small town, the
Mayor is always on duty. ..
d. What salary should a
fulltime mayor receive?
This would be decided by the
Council if and, when a full time
Mayor was 'elected.
e. Would the election of a
fulltime mayor seriously
reduce the number of eligible
men and women in the 'Com-
munity who .could serve?
(refer to, your ansers to the
previous two questions.)
It would, if the price was
right, increase the number and
perhaps .the quality. '
• * * *
3. The reeve ands deputy -reeve
represent the municipality at
the county u. level. In your
opinion:,_
a.° Are local councils well
enough' informed about the
happenings at county conn-•
cil?
No. Bett"er communications
are a must.
b. Should Goderich
representatives on county
- council be more parochial' in
their participation there; or
should they strive. for a wider
and more general understan-
ding of ale municipalities
within the county and those
-problems peculiar to the
county system?
They should not forget that
they represent the .town ' of •
Goderich but should strive for
more cooperation and' general
understanding of County
problems that relate to the
area. We should also look
beyond the boundaries of
Huron as we are usually affec
ted by happenings around ps.
c. Should Goderlch
representatives to county
council • make' regular reports
to their colleagues about
county business? .
Yes - At every Town Council
meeting following a Committee
r
mun p ary .
Coi.Thty representatives.
* *
4. There have been problems
the past two years between
neighboring municipalities. In
your opinion: -
a. Is this a real problem.
Yes - but not insurmoun-
table.
b. If yes, how do you
propose to work towards
correcting it?
Part of the answer is outlined
in 3 (b) and (c)° above. Also by
becoming more involved in the
.happenings around the area to
try. and develop a feeling of
.trust between the various
segments of the County of
which goderich is .a large part.
* * * •
5. Soaring tax- bills are
•everyone's concern. In Your
opinion:a
a. Are taxes in Goderlch
unusually high?
In'some cases -yes - others -
no. An inequitable assessment
problem still exists causing '
some to pay high taxes and
others less. The mill rate. -ap--
••• pears to * be in line with other
municipalities., This problem of
assessment will :be corrected
when the Provincial
(continued on page 3A)
STAN PROFIT
CANDIDATE FOR REEVE
1. We've heard a good deal
about conflict of interest in the
past two years. In your opinion:
a. What constitutes a con-
flict of .interest?
This is covered by Ontario
Statutes. In my opinion a con-
flict of interest exists when a
person is party to an agreement
with the.municipality, and then
USES his position on„council to
influence councils' decision in
his favor for direct financial
gain. I believe a conflict no
longer exists when the in-
dividualdeclares a conflict,
and does not take partin the
discussion• or vote on- the sub-
ject at hand.
-b. Should candidates
declare a possible. area of
conflict of interest during an
selection campaign? ' Why?
° It strikes me that people only
want to know about certain in-
dividuals possible conflict of in-
terest. It would be quite
revealing if everyone declared
themselves, and for this reason
I would 'say yes, candidates
should declare any conflict of
interest.
c. Can a man or woman fun-
ction effectively on a public
council orboard with a com-
mit Of -interest?
I believe so. In a two year
term, this may only. arise once
or twice. It would be a real
shame if a good member has to
be lost to public office, when
this subject comes up, so
seldom.
d. When an elected official ,.
declines to take part in a
discussion or to vote a • par-
ticular issue because of. a
conflict of interest, does it
weaken the public body 'on
which that official serves?
Why. (-
I think not. As suggested
above, a person can do im-
measurable good in a two year
period, that on- the few oc-
casions that they have to
declare themselves, it would
not be detrimental.
e. Do you have a conflict of
interst? , ,
NONE WHAT "EVER. •
* * '* cr .HARVEY JOHNSTON • ”
2. The mayor is the head of CANDIDATE FOR REEVE n
council. In your Opinion:1. Wever heard a good deal
a. Is previous experience on
municipal coancil necessary about conflict of interest in the
past two years. In your opinion:
to become mayor? a. What constitutes a eon -
•To do justice to the job, I flirt of interest? .
would have to think that .. it A conflict of interest is being
would be imperative. • b..Should the people expect involved with a project that the
the mayor of a municipality --; Town Council has to rule on.
st%ch as Goderich to attend all b. . Should candidates .
meetings, public `functions declare a possible area ofconflict of interest during an
and conventions on their election campaign? Why?
behalf, or should the mayor be Yes. Then the voters would
free to delegate alternatives know where there stand.- '
from his`ICouncil on occasion?'c. Can a man or woman fun -
In. a word NO. L think the ction effectively on ..a public
mayor should feel entirely free council or board -taltb -taia Ion-
to call upon any member of his flirt of interest?
council to stand. in for him at Yes
any time. - d. When an elected offibial
c. Would a fulltime mayor be declines to take part in a
desirable in Goderlch? Why? discussion or to vote..a par -
I der not think that a fulltime ticular issue because of a
mayor is at -all desirable to the conflict. of interest, does it
people in Goderich at this time. ,weaken the public body on -
It is my impression that a town which that official nerves?
manager would be much more Why?
acceptable.Not really but to. some extent
d. What salary should a because we need all, the views
fulltime mayor receive? nn' each matter.
It should be sufficient to . e. Do you have a conflict of
compensate for giving up his
interest?
existing vocation, No.
e. Would the election bf a
* *
fulltime mayor seriously °
reduce the number of eligible
men and women in the com-
munity whOo could serve? municipal council necessary
I- think it may quite well to become mayor?
(continued on page 3A) No.
b. Should the people expect
the mayor of a municipality : .
such as Goderlch to attend all
meetings, public functions
and conventions on their
behalf, or should the mayor be -
free to -delegate alternatives
from his council. on occasion?
• Should be free to delegate on
occasion.
c. Would a fulltime mayor be
desirable in Goderich? Why?
Be desirable. Then the mayor
would be on the job all the
time. But 'Goderich is not large
enough to support at this time,
a full time mayor. , .
d. What salary should a
fulltime mayor receive?
It would have to he high
enough to attract the right per-
•
son.
e. Would the election of a
fulltime mayor seriously
reduce the number' Of eligible
men and women in the com-
munity who could serve?
don't think =so.
•' *
3. The reeve and deputy -reeve
represent the municipality at
the county level. In your
•
opinion: •
a. Are local councils well
enough informed about the
happenirngs at county coun-
cil? '
Not in all matters.
b. Should Goderich
representatives on county
council be more parochial in
their participation there, or
should they strive for "a wider
and more general understan-
ding of -all municipalities
within •the .county and those
problems peculiar to• the
county 'system?
On county council (,oderi h
. representatives ,horrid work
with the whole 'c•ounc•il hut
keeping' Goderich in mind.
C. Should Goderich
representatives to county
council make regular reports
to their colleagues about
county business?
Yes, indeed. '
**Y
4. There°have been problems to
the past 'two years between
neighbz'rring municipalities 1n
your opinion:
(continued On page 4A)
2. The mayor • is the head of
council. In your opinion:
a. Is previous experience on
BILL CLIFFORD
CANDIDATE FOR
DEPUTY. REEVE
Firstly, I would like to com-
pliment the Goderich Signa.l-
Star for. their initiative in
preparing , a questionnaire on
current election issues. This
project. -- is just another fine
example of the very worthwhile
community '`service they are
providing. f welcome the`oppor-
tunity to answer the selected
questions, and to express my
platform and views.
1.(a) What constitutes a con-
flict of interest?
I consider a conflict of in-
terest would occur when any
information that would come to
council would he beneficial to
that individual, - who, by
availing himself of such infor-
mation, would improve his lot,
be it pecuniary. or any other,
way whatsoever.
(b) .Should' candidates
declare a possible area of
conflict .of interest during an
election campaign? Why?
Yes. To let the public decide
if you can still act in the over-
alT best interest of the Town.
(c Can a man or woman
function effectively ' on' a
pubic "council or board with a
conflict of interest?
I feel it would depend on the
number of interests he might he
ut
the Town is a multi :interest
business. In most cases if full
disclosure is made and . the
product Or services provided is
competitive, I can see no harm
done.
• (d) When an elected official
declines to take part in a
discussion or to vote a par-
ticular Issue because • of a •
conflict' of interest, does it
weaken the public body on
which that official serves?.
Why?
No. There are.nine members
of council, and five constitute a
quorum. From'time to time it is
necessary for one or the °other_
member of council to be absent
because of illness or business
commiitments, . In both cases
they are absent from discussio
ands voting, yet •democrac
carries on. o
(e) Do you have a conflict of
interest?
Nn,
***
2. (a)., Is previou4 experience
on , municipal .council
necessary to become mayor?
There are always exceptions
to the rule, and while it is not
necessary, it is preier°able
because of the working
knowledge and back -ground
which can be ,obtained only
through experience.
(b) Should 'the people ex-
pect the mayor of a
municipality such as Goderich
to attend meetings, publte
functions and conventions on.
their behalf, or should the
mayor -be free to delegate
alternatives from -his council,
on occassion?
The mayor should, wherever,
possible, attehd all meetings
and functions personally, but
because • of overlapping
schedules, together with the
fact that most mayors must
also held down a job in order
to make a living, the mayor
should. be able to appoint a
delegate.
(c) Would a.,fulltime mayor
be desirable .in , Goderieh?
Why? '
No. Not at this time, We are
growing, but at the present
time the workload duties, while
involved in, as the running of (continued On page 4A)
EILEEN J. PALMER
CANDIDATE FOR
DEPUTY -REEVE
1. We've heard a good deal
about conflict of interest in the
past two years. In your opinion:
a. What constitutes a~t con-'
flirt of interest?
Conflict of interest - An elec-
ted representative who i.s a
director of or has a financial in-
terest in a business or ,company
having dealings with, in this
case, the municipality or the
county would constitute a con-
flict of interest
b. Should candidates
declare a possible area of
conflict of interest during an
election campaign? Why?
Yes, in order to give the voter'
=an opportunity to make a fait
assessment of the candidate.
c. Can a man or,woman fun-
ction effectively on a public
council or board with a con-
flict of 'Interest?,
Yes, provided that the elec-
ted person does not use his or
her elected or -appointed
position as a means to an end.
ie, personal financial gain.
d. When an elected official
declines to take part In a
discussion or to veto a par-
ticular Issue of a 'conflict of in -
'Wrest, dde$ it weaken lhe
public body on which that of-
ficial serves? Why?
Ws • because in a tie vote,
that extra vote would influence (continued on page 6A)
- a
e
the final decision. •
e. Do you have a conflict of
interest?
No.
**-*
2. The: mayoris the head of
council. In your opinion:
• a. Is previous experience on
municipal council necessary
• to. become mayor?
Previous • experience on
municipal council is a definite
asset for a mayor - but by no
means, an_ absolute necessity.
b. Should the people expect'
the mayor of a municipality.
such as Goderich to attend all
meetings, public functions
and conventions on their
behalf, or should the mayor be
free to delegate alternatives
from his council on occasion? 1,
Yes, the mayor should be free
to delegate councillors 'to 'at-
tend functions etc.
c. Would a fulltime mayor .be.
desirable in Goderieh? Why?
Yes - because the jol, has
become an almost full• time job.
d. What salary should a
fulltime mayor receive? '
Comparative • to `town ad-
ministrators.
e..Would the election of a
fulltime mayor seriously
reduce the number of eligible
men and women in the com-
munity who could serve?
(refer to your answers to the
previous two questions?)
No, why should it?
* * * .
3. The reeve and deputy -reeve
represent the municipality at
the county level. In, your
'opinion:
a. Are local councils well
enough informed about the
• happenings at county coun-
cil?
No, •- unless municipal coun-
cillors attend county council
meetings, the only information
they get is ° through the
newspaper reports,
b. Should, Goderich
representatives on 'coanty
council be more parochial In
their participation there, or
should they strive for a wider
and more general understan-
ding of all Municipalities