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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1974-11-28, Page 16 (2)PAGE 4B—GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974 Frank Walkom Continued from page 1B from hos councilors occasion? I feel that the mayor should be privileged to appoint whoever he wjshes to supply for him during his absence if the person so appointed is a mem- ber of his council. I also feel that some 'of the conveq,.tions are taboo and should be atten- ded with some reserve. We can overdo our attendance at con- ventions where often very little is achieved. c. Would a fulltime mayor be desirable In Goderich? Why? Definitely "No". We are a town of 7,000. Cities in Western Ontario with three times our population are surviving and quite well, with a part time mayor. A fulltime mayor would require a salary of -from $12,000 to $15,000. In the past five years we have appointed a fulltime Rec. Director at a salary in excess of $12,000 and to elect a mayor at the salary I have mentioned is ridiculous. e. Would the election of a fulltime mayor seriously reduce the number of eligible s. m munity who could serve? The question is so out of line that I will, not comment. *,** 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? At times I am well satisfied but at others I feel that more information could be given. ' b. Should . • G odericit 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 pus county and those problems peculiar to the county system? Our reeve and deputy -reeve have given us a good picture of the different aspects' of the county. It is easy- to' criticize their actions but would we do any better? . * * * 7. Goderich is called The Pret- tieat, Town in Canada. In your opinion: e. Is that so? I feel that this t;+ exaggerating somewhat. I have met hundreds of visitors to Goderich within the last ten years .and almost without ex- ception they have been very complimentary concerning the beauty of the town. b: If not, why not? If yes, what Is your plan to preserve that beauty and build on it? The removal of many of the old trees and trimming of dead branches would be an im- provement. Planting of reasonable size and staking should be done. * -8. Lake Huron ' is a natural beaalt% spot. a potential asset In the community. In your opinion: a. Should our beaches be Improved and additional facilities' added to attract visitors to Goderich? I can understand the view of many of the people of Goderich and vicinity. During the last few years we have been subjec- ted to high water at -the beach. This has caused boulders ranging iri size from 2" to 6" to roll in. These have been removed •at a cost of several thousand` dollars. The beach is still not the best but to what extent in thousands of dollars are we prepared to go? b. Should a municipal' cam- pground be established? We have several privately operated campsites and two, r three lal'.ger sites operating tedious process. In your within a few miles so wh.% mar opinion: the beauty of our town. a,. Is there adequate plan - c. Should municipal funds, ning for Goderich's future? - be allocated for acquisition of Yes. future recreational areas b. Do you believe- the plan - along Goderich's waterfront? ning on the fringes .of. the No.. 9. Some people believe regional government looms in the not do distant future? In your opinion . a. Is regional government desirable? Why? At the present time inthis county I, cannot see Regional Government but I can see restructuring of our pre .ent form. .It is my belief th@t Regional Government will take away the co-operative spirit which we enjoyed for so many years. 10. Planning its a long municipality should correspond with planning in 'the adjoining -rural areas? • I believe a county planning board workingin conjunction with towfi ,planners would be the ideal sfh ation. c. Should Huron's farmland be protected, even abutting Goderich? Yes to certain extent. * * * 11. Why would you make a good candidate for town council? Having been on town council and for over sixteen years I feel that 4. There have been problems in • the past. two years- between neighboring municipalities..In your opinion: a. Is this a real problem? This ' is no 'real problem. Having.'lived here for 35 -years there have been differences bet- ween town and the surrounding - townships but they have been minimal. Often petty differen- ces could be ironed out without them hitting the headlines. Our town has a working agreement, with the townships concerning the fire . protection .and garbage disposal. b. If yes, how do you propose. to work towards correcting it? 'By negotiation we can iron -out our problems... If, we can't get along with the neighbouring townships then regional gover- nment is in the far distant future. *** Soaring tax bills are everyone's concern. In your opinion: a. Are taxes in Goderich unusually high? The taxes. in Goderich are not unusually high. b. If yes; what can be done about it? If no, explain why you think • local taxes are in line. When you consider the ser- vices you receive in this town we are not 'overtaxed. Show me a town the size of Goderich where they have an adequate system of snowplowing such as s we. Very few towns have"two trash pick-ups during the year, "some have one'and others have none. Bob Allen• Continued from page 1B adjacent areas or ,regional g9vernment will be imposed on us. –Tau` .are one of the major problems, of municipa govern- ment. 'Ours have remained at 137.12 mills for two years and I can see it as a real challenge for the new council to keep it there, with inflation eating up our buying power at abi: t the rate 10 ,percent per year, ,and possibly more in the coming year. There are always'complaifts about roads and it becomes a question of priorities. With the price of calcium and oil soaring, I will recommend that more hard, topping be carried out. 'With the .plans *for High- way 21 and stop lights at High- way 8 and Britannia Road with an expenditure of $1;000,000 of which $100,000 comes from our tax structure, it will not leave too much money for any major road repai"hs. Curbs and sidewalks costs are born by the ratepayer whose property they must decide if they wish to pay a n' increase of taxes. Goderich is called "The Pret- tiest Town in Canada" clue to its unique layout and geographical location and all theme pre -planning that was done for its development. This or- derly planning must continue. Our beaches must be properly serviced , to, keep them func- tional, neat, clean and safe. A municipal camtiground I feel has been hashed over by previous councils and it ap- pears'.the general public feels this need can be better met by, the Province. I have heard very little on this subject for quite some time. I do not feel 'that"rregional government is desirable and -'that we as municipalities are in a far better position to say what- is good or bad for us. I refer you also to the recent regiona nye . Ica p ans an e cost for regional administration of our schools.. Local councils working in. harmony can do a far better job and plan together the uses of the area land. I am running for Town Council as I am a concerned ° citizen. For your information .I was born and educated . in {Goderich. I have a wfife, Catherine, and seven children. I, am a member of The Society of Manufacturing Engineers; Ontario Electrical League, On- tario Minor Hockey Association, Goderich Rotary Club, President of the Maitland Golf and Country Club, mem- her of Alumni of School of Business Administratibn at the University of Western Ontario. I am presently employed as Plant Engineer at the the town has progressed to a reasonable extent. It is also my belief that the sessions of coun- cil could be shortened by fewer „pop-up" questions from soma councillors. I would like to see more decorum in_ council. 12. Comm"ents: This has been my ..obser- vation during the past several years. Too�.1 much time and money has been spent on con- ventions. The results have for the most part been negligible The P.U.C. has always gone overboard on the expense ac- cOunt on conventions. I. would 'suggest that a financial statement be available to: the public. At this time I would like. to express my thanks and appreciation to the town work force and this includes everyone employed by the town. Dominion Road Machinery'Co. Ltd. I hope I have answered the questions of which you are con- cerned . To the electors of Ashfield Township DEALERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES SUZUKISUZUKI The rapid expansion of the recreational vehicle market, plus the current Sdiiikr sales increases, now warrant the development of new dealerships in this area. To obtain full detatls, on the Suzuki success formula and your profit potential, write to: Dealer'Development Manager, Suzuki Canada Ltd. 155 St..Regis Crescent Downsview, Ontario M3J 1Y6 As a `firm believer in local government I respectfully solicit your s(pport for the position of councillor in, the coming term. - A House Of Great Perfumes PERFUMES, COLOGNE, BATH LUXURIES Perfume to Her Majesty For the past two years, 1 have enjoyed working on your behalf and if elected 1 will continue working for you to the best of my ability. For Council John Austin i PHARMACY kVX.V .. 8� X -VX X X XVX X XVX +' ` XVX-VXVM-VWQMVXV VXVXV VM vim. =XVXV = =X = * * * 6. There are always complaints about "roads. In your opinion: a. Is Goderich's road.'_ program .adequate? Our road program can stand some improvements. b. If not,'why not? However when you take into account the miles of roads in town and the new ones being constructed one should under- stand that there is a limit to road construction. In my opinion a five year program 'should be continued with cer- tairj streets being completed each year. ce Would you be in favor of increasing the road budget sufficiently to ,provide good roads, curbs, 'sidewalksetc. across the municipality even if it meant considerably higher taxes? No. At present otic road budget has to receive OK from the authorities in Toronto. On this' we get a road subsidy. If we overspend then we must carry the whole load. People are hard to please. It is my con- tention that the road program can be carried on as at present. * * * THE ILL CREAT Just another good reason for choosing her v gift at I.-11 1•r. t CHAR(;EX SHOPPE master charge GODERICH OPEN FRI. NITS ' 'I1. 9 , & ALL DAY WEDNESDAY DURING DEC. we GIFT WRAP FOR MEN