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Wednesday, October 13, 2010 Orono Weekly Times - 13 LOCAL CANDIDATES Continued from pg 11 TIM TUFTS Tim Tufts has lived in Clarington for 22 years and operates a farm and a dog kennel business north of Kendal. Tufts said he believes the new Newcastle Fire Hall should be manned with full and part-time staff. Having served on a number of volunteer boards since moving to the area, and dealing with large numbers of people, and keeping things on an even keel have all prepared him to seek an elected position in this municipality, he says. In answer to the question posed by the representative of the Durham CLEAR group, and why Clarington Ward 4 councillors had such a poor showing in the survey questionnaire, Tufts responded, "I feel zero waste is the best possible solution, but it is not an option." One of the obstacles to bringing new business to Ward 4 is the lack of serviced land, according to Tufts. "Customer service at the municipal level has to be improved," he said. "Wind farms are not a municipal issue," Tufts said. We as a society are going to have to make some tough decisions around alternative energy sources, according to Tufts. Perhaps Clarington could increase its by-law department, or look at limiting the number of vehicles a family can own, Tufts said in response to the question about cars parking on the sidewalk. While the salaries of Clarington's unionized staff may seem exorbitant to some, compared with salaries paid at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and GM and other government organizations, they are not out of line, according to Tufts. Outsourcing would create quality issues, he added. If Clarington's legal counsel has issues with the incinerator host community agreement, they should be heard, Tufts said. Garbage should be picked up every week in the summer and every two weeks in the winter, Tufts answered in response to the question on the need for more frequent garbage pick-up. Empty nesters, however, according to Tufts, could probably get away with having their garbage picked up every two months. Tufts has identified "using your tax dollars responsibly," as his number one issue this election. GORD ROBINSON Gord Robinson was first elected in 2000 as Local Councillor for Ward 4. He has held that position for two subsequent elections. He is now seeking the seat for Regional Councillor for Wards 3 & 4. Robinson said he wants the new Newcastle Fire Station to be built on Highway 2, near the 115/35 exit, instead of the identified location next to the aquatic centre on Rudell Road. The station will have to be staffed by parttimers for a while, according to Robinson. On the question of why Ward 4 candidates did not answer the Durham CLEAR questionnaire, Robinson answered that the proLOCAL CANDIDATES see page 14