HERALD ELECTION SPECIAL Wednesday November a IMS Page 11 Candidates quizzed about tax waste plant By SANDY CAMPBELL Herald Stiff Effective representation tax equalization and energy from waste were the main issues discussed by Ward candidate at the allcandidat es meeting at the Acton Citizens Band Hall Wednesday Each town councillor regional councillor and mayor candidate was given three minutes for opening remark and wo minutes for a rebuttal Questions from the audience followed Presenting themselves as effective representatives were the main message deli vered by candidates to the crowd of over 100 Gerald and Ed Wood town councillor candidates made this the main message of their talk Other issues popular with the candidates of Ward 1 were tax equali zation energy from waste a municipal complex growth and water for Acton Candidates were pleased with the progress made on taxation equalizati on through Section S3 but were not convinced the Issue was resolved Ed Wood took some of his time to thank Boas for his work on Section Caudlalea Norm Elliott Jim Kinnear Ken Owen and Rick Bonnette said following up on Mr efforts was priority Dave Whiting regional candidate for Ward bad the fewest reserva about an energy from waste plant in Acton He said that it would be at least 1990 before a plant built As one of the first to suggest a plant for Acton Mr Whiting said Us research told him a safe plant could be built If the people dont want It it Dave Whiting Rick won t come Mr Whiting stressed Thai view was supported by all speakers Mayor Miller stated that the cheaper energy provided by the plant would attract Industry to Acton Ward candidates supported the Acton Chamber of Commerces request that research and an informed public is needed to resolve the problem Norm Elliott town councillor candidate stated an energy from waste plant should not be loo close to Acton regardless of bow safe it Is A municipal complex for Halloa Hills discussed by fewer candidates Dave Whiting who voted for the purchase of the land defended that purchase by saying It was a good investment but that the town budget was not big enough now to build on It Jim Kinnear suggested two centers would be better than a municipal complex Rick stressed the Import ance of Acton having soma govern ment offices like a tax and a hydro office Its not our privilege Its our right he said Candidates who spoke on growth for Acton wanted it but also wanted Acton to retain the qualities of a small town Jim felt learning from other successful towns solving growth problems Important The growth question was discussed by regional and mayoral candidates who noted the Importance of water Miller and Dave Whiting assured the audience that the water issue was resolved and that the region had put aside money for a purification system Rick Bonnette said ten yeaia was too long to address Actons water problem and that the province should be pushed Mike Armstrong agreed with Mr Bonnette he called the issue a political football Both mayoral candidates stated lhat Actons tourist Industry should be developed Tourism is a source of full time and part time employment Mayor Miller said Actons old build ings like the Legion and the surround ing natural beauty make the potential for tourism limltlesa Mike Armstrong said During the question period Mike Armstrong and Russ Miller were asked their opinions on Section The night it waa voted on in council the mayor candidates were at a Rotary dinner for senior Each said he supported Section S3 Mike Armstrong was asked what he would do about the stench In Acton which the person posing the question attributed to the tannery Mr Armstrong explained that the tannery was not the source of the smell and that Selected or not he would be In touch with those responsible When asked about where Acton stands with VIA rail Mr replied there will be a release within the next two months The town has a commitment he added Snow removal from Acton side walks was another citizens concern Mayor Miller and regional councillor Whiting said the 1986 budget wasnt big enough to include regular snow removal The mayor would like all senior citizen and school children routes cleared he said Councillor Bonnette said that Interest lost on the needed to buy he Steven property would have been enough to buy needed snow removal equipment SCHOOL Howitt unbeaten Dick continued his unbeaten streak of four victories by being acclai med for the first time The Ward trustee was acclaimed In Wards Sand Mr Howitt waa surprised and bad mixed feelings Im not going to be hypocritical and say Im not pleased but there is something exciting about an election particularly if you are successful You nave a good feeling he said To Mr extended funding was biggest Issue was the implementation of Bill which ensures that all exceptional children gifted and disabled receive The issues are regional issues and there are no outstanding problems Ward 9 and Mr said Meeting as many people as poss ible was Mr Hewitts election strategy which has worked for him hi be past he said If you meet and talk to them they get a chance to sixa you up Greater interest in local council issues bis past performance on the board and peoples satisfaction with the board are three reasons he gave why be was acclaimed Bruce Bruce acclaimed Arlene Bruce trustee for Ward 1 has been acclaimed a sec time in the new seat fill ing Wards 1 and f- Its a lovely feeling to be acclaimed Its a great relief Now the next two weeks will be a little more norm she said Id like to think It because Ive done a good Job and had a strong voice but there are probably numerous reasons she said If she was in a race in Wards 1 and 2 funding would be the major Issue of her campaign Id be focusing on those dollars and making sure they are well spent on education and not things like pools she said Mrs Bruce said last year a budget cut to the bone hurt the system A balance must be reached sho said You have to have good people but you have to have money first cost per pupil is lower than other boards ana our net results have never been Inferior she said More community involvement In schools is another of her concerns I dont believe people outside parents have any part of schools Schools and the community should have close ties she said gP YOU DECIDE m vnn day YOUR VOTE WORKS FOR YOU EVERY DAY EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING TO SAY Tuesday November 12th is local election day across Ontario Novem ber 1 you vote to choose your municipal council representatives and school board trustees for the next three years Choosing good local government is Important THINK ABOUT IT Your local government spends your tax dollars to provide Important services that affect you every day police and fire protection public transit and road maintenance snow and garbage removal sewers and water social cultural and recreational programs and a lot more Municipalities across Ontario spend over 7 billion every year on your behalf Your school board decides on school spending and programs in your com munity Half of their budget comes directly from your property taxes This year is the second time you elect representatives for three years instead of two So Its more Important than ever that you take part in deciding who will lead your community ASK ABOUT IT Find out who the candidates are and what qualifications they will bnng to public office Ask them where they stand on the issues youre concerned with Get them to tell you how they want your community to develop and grow for local council and school boards should be accessible Ask them the questions you want an swered To vote you must be at least 1 years old by polling day a Canadian or Com monwealth citizen and either live in own or rent property in the municipality If you have not been enumerated call your local returning officer If you dont know where to vote or if you want to vote in advance of November 1 call your returning officer or your City or Town Hall for more information TALK ABOUT IT Talk to the candidates their campaign workers and your neighbors Attend election meetings Discuss the issues This election concerns you your money and your community You have a part to play in this election By voting on November youll have a say in who represents you who leads your community until YOU DECIDE