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SKT1QN A HERALD October Pane Candidates talk about issues Profiled next week will be the mayoral candidates plus candidates from Wards 2 and TOWN COUNCILLOR Ward Followup on issues Repaying Act on people who have been good to him is a major reason why Ken Owen lifelong resident of Acton is running for town councillor la Ward he said Ken Owen To him the Issues have been established and it would be his Job to make certain they are followed up on Taxation equalization la one of the issues he would like to be involved In and moke sure it goes through he said Water in Acton is another of his priorities We have the water supply I don t see why we dont proceed with it From what Ive heard everything Is going in the right direction but at a slow pace he said In order for Acton to attract suitable industry the taxation issue and the water issue must be resolved he said Suitable Industry means service industry but not manufacturing he said He Is not supporting an Energy From Waste plant In Acton It better be studied before recommendations That may be just one more Industry not project a favorable image of the town he said Growth for Acton is important to Mr Owen but be favors limited growth I would not like to see Acton become a carbon copy of Brampton I would like enough growth to support the business in Acton but to keep the town of Acton the town of Acton he said One addition to the town he hopes to see is the arrival VIA Rail The process has started and he would like to see it finished he said Building a municipal complex for Ha It on Hills housing all departments is not necessarily the solution to the problem of a town office thats unsuitable be sold Maybe it would be better to expand the present site Trafalgar Road is convenient to a lot of people It could be enlarged for a lot less money he said I feel I have a lot of Interests In the town 1 grew up here and I want Whether I am the best candidate for the job will be the voters decision not mine he said Personality Three good Twice the experience councillors work done Emphasis on Acton needs cooperation strong voice Jim Klnnear is a candidate for town council in Ward 1 who says he es the Job for two reasons and personality his ability to get Jobs finish ed Working with families schools social agencies and children as a professional therapist has trained him in what he calls small politics His gift is the rapport he develops with people getting them to air their concerns and putting those concerns into action he says He Identifies Ross Knechtel as the man most responsible for Actons new tax assessment but I havent heard anyone say theyre going to pick up the ball and go with it Following up on this issue Is one of bis objectives Ive already spoken with Roes and got some background on the problem he has been working three years on and I look forward to spending more time with him be says Property standards should be enforced he says By doing so not only will Acton be something to be proud of but more people will be attracted to settle in Acton he said More residents in Acton would be nice but not too many is his bope A lot of people live here because we like size of the town People believe residential expansion Is the answer to our problems but we must look carefully at what It costs he said He supports healthy growth and careful growth he says The little problems of the town like why the Acton Library doesnt have a wheelchair ramp are important issues he said He has studied Energy from Waste plants and says I support the idea Some are good and some are dfanger- We need more Information and public participation he said clal and environmental Impact ore two major considerations to be studied be says Mr Klnnear would like to see the GO Train come to Acton and If not that then at least partial train service As long as train service mean loo much growth as it did in Milton be supports it he says The municipal complex is not a priority issue with Mr Klnnear He says he would like some sections of the municipal government In Acton TOWN COUNCILLOR Town growth inevitable Town land is an issue Three good councillors for Ward l is the most important Issue of the ele ction said Norm Elliott town councillor candidate for Ward 1 Many people asked him to run for the very important Nom Elliott position he people said Those the the people of Acton have In his abilities he said of this elect on may not be issues In a few years and that is why he believes choosing the right people Is more Important than the Issues of today Councillors must handle issues Iwant good councillors elected in all wards he said And most Importantly Acton must have strong councillors he said Water Is the key problem to growth in Acton and he feels more research Is needed into sources other than Fairy Lake The long term effects of using Fairy Lake are not clear enough he said said A water conservation program should also be considered he said Actons growth is something cou has got to isolate as a concern and work effectively on he said He criticized region for not doing especial when Georgetown Is growing so much in comparison He does not support widespread growth In Acton he said Of an Energy from Waste Plant in Acton he said Anything that has to do with disposal should be located away from urban areas He would only support a plant If the benefits exceeded the negative effects Mr Elliot was critical of town council not announcing their plans for a municipal complex after purchasing the Steven Estate in March 1934 for the purpose of building one He believes the present municipal offices are Inadequate and has some ideas to bring forward If he is elected he said He believes that Acton will get VIA Rail service In the next term of council I can t see any major drawba cks only minor problems he said Actons problems should be treat like- the followup to the tax equalization problem he said It has been resolved but we the councillors have got to keep hammering away at it to be completely resolved he sold Industry to offset taxes Maury There will always be someone available to talk to I want to create an atmosphere where you can talk to your councillor he said His family and home in Acton are Interests that make him especially concerned about the town future he said Property taxes are an issue affecting everyone in the town and one ho wants resolved He is also concerned how on Energy from Waste plant will affect land values In Acton We must know all the facts up front rejected a similar project because of toxic waste People want the value of their homes going up not down Mr Sand said Growth for Acton Is another topic that needs attention in his view We need to see controlled smart business A greater variety of stores is needed to attract people to Acton and to keep Acton people shopping in their town he said Looking at putting a In is a step in the right direction added The water issue is one be feels cannot be ignored or forgotten by town councillors Its a regional Issue but a town councillor cant let them think weve fallen asleep We mutt keep putting pressure on until finally it gets resolved he said My aim is to accomplish better things without raising taxes Ive seen it done in business and I think we can do it on council I think we have to get our moneys worth by getting our priorities right be said Making better use of the school and programs like the is a low cost way of answering the teenage complaint there is not enough going on he said Trying ttrimprove the towns appearance is another one of his concerns as is working closer with Acton schools to encourage community involvement Ward Must protect all tenants Growth is Inevitable for the town says Ward 3 town candidate Pom Johnston Shed like to make sure that that growth is well planned While were develop ing we have to assure ourselv es were not 1amjonnwn ing our down- people Mrs town business Johnston said Shes concerned that new services to meet Ibo needs of the new residents will take away business from tbe downtown area I think there should be a road through to Eighth Line bo at least the new residents have access to the downtown area Mrs Johnston said From her door knocking so far shes been told by resident that another access for the hospital Is needed Mrs Johnston said drainage problems have to be worked out before development can take place In future No Im not that pro development that Im in a hurry to have every thing Mrs Johnston said I Just want to ensure dollars are spent properly and that with development the present taxpayers arent paying for the new people coming into town T She said she doesnt anticipate a municipal complex for the town staff wilt be built during the next three years but I think things like that need to be planned for Extending the property standards bylaw to the whole town as Halloa Hills Legal Clinic lawyer Jack Fleming has requested is a complicated issue Mrs Johnston said I think It has merit she said Mrs Johnston called herself a hard worker one who reads up and studies matters before making a decision I promise to work hard and speak my mind on peoples concerns in Ward she ssld I think my financial background would be an asset to the town The Georgetown bom and raised woman has been a long time volunteer in the community working with organ izations like the Georgetown Memorial Hospital Canadian Cancer Society Red Cross churches and schools Within the next three years Ward town council candidate Betty Fisher would like to see act on on the Ste vens property Monday she told The Herald she would like to see that part of tbe Steven land not needed for a municipal complex sold off and a new town hall erected on tbe remainder I believe the town must decide exactly how much land they need for tbe town hall then I believe the excess lands should be sold to private business and developed Mrs Fisher said The money from that sale should go into the reserve funds to offset taxatl- the opinion that the property across from the North Halton Golf and Country Club was bought at an excessive price the candidate said shed only want to sold at the same price or higher and not at a toss Mrs Fisher said shed like to see a nlclpal complex bull term of office if elected I want to see it built by the reserve funds and not extra taxation she said painting to the Peel board of education bead office and the OakvUle municipal complex as examples of smart financing Mrs Fisher said the development proposed for the town in its Secondary Plans Is reasonable and wont produce a situation like the exploding growth in Brampton areas She hopes tbe new developments will add new students to the existing community schools and help preserve them Although landlords may have difficulty with the extension of the property standards bylaw beyond the Acton and Georgetown downtowns Mrs Fisher said she supports the extension People must be able to enjoy quality of life and shouldnt have to live in substandard conditions because there is no other place to live she said I con promise honesty and cation and compassion for their Issues There should be more land for Industry says a Ward candidate for town council Bob Gougeon said hed like to see more indu stries in Georgetowns boundaries to offset taxes Bob Gougeon Over the years a lot of industrial property has been zoned for clal use he said expressing strong opposition to it Ive seen It happen that Just by rezonlng a property to sold for profit A good example is tbe land for Hills Plaza It was industrial before it was and sold When it comes to the property maintenance standards which tbe town is considering to extend beyond the downtown areas Mr is in full support My feeling on that is if its good enough for part of the town its good enough for all of the town the candidate said Itwouldcleanupalot of backyards Mr Gougeon said he thought the Stevens property would be tbe number one issue in this election Its something I think should be looked into he said I have to familiarize myself with the whole thing to see the feasibility of It in terms of location and servicing costs There must be added costs in having town staff at different quarters about town rather than at one location Mr Gougeon said He said the public works and recreation departments wouldnt have to be at the municipal complex with the rat of town staff He could see them moved outside the urban area to a central spot between Georgetown and Acton such as Mr said that would be more convenient for the two departments In serving area residents Cost is the bottom line on everything he concluded Mr Gougeon said he hoped to see things happening with the municipal complex before the costs become too huge to do anything The bylaw that only protects ten ants In the down town Georgetown and Acton areas should apply for the whole of Halt- on Hills Ward contender Phil Carney said Phil Carney He said hed like to see the property maintenance bylaw extended and not Just restricted to the downtown cores The yearold James Street Georgetown resident is going for his second term on town council Camey said one of tbe big Issues facing the town Is that of equalized assessment Lost week Ross said it was time the town accepted the provinces Section of the Assessment Act which bases taxation on market value assess ment Its pretty hard to argue against equalized assessment as being unfair but it has some definite reverberations lnthecommunltyCoun Camey said He said hed like more Information before approving the move to go with Sec The councillor said he was especially concerned over how the new system of taxation may affect people on fixed Incomes Acknowledging growth was inevit able for the municipality over the next few years Coun Carney sold he wanted the character of the town to be maintained despite that growth He said the town is a bedroom community In a lot of ways and much of the new growth will be that type of commuter growth Unless were fortunate enough to get great big Industrial park which were working on Coun Camey said Lets face it any major Industri es coming to Hills we dont have any place to accommodate them zilch space If Toyota had wanted to come wo would have had to pass on it he said As for putting up a municipal complex In Georgetown Carney says he doubts it will be in the next three years He thinks Interim steps will be good enough to accommodate town Ed Wood town councillor candi date for Word 1 believes good relations between councillors and municipal employees is the way to make the Halton Hills government more efficient I have an ability to communicate with staff and councillors and I have a rapport with staff and work crews Iff tell them something they can take It to the bank he said I believe nothing Is impossible Things just take a little longer to get done when youre dealing with govern he added Improving the Image of Acton Is a concern of Mr Wood If we market Acton better it would develop a more positive image for the town which has a lot to offer the lake parks The Hide House Every place needs to grow Acton s growth in the past 13 years has been nil We need some to help offset taxes and for places to live for new families There is a shortage or starter homes tight now he said Industrial growth is important to residental growth Mr Wood said which la linked to the water shortage in Acton The provinces permission to use Fairy Lake as a water source Is holding up development he said Anything the town can do to speed up process the better off well be He would like to see better access to south for those needing regional services but do not have their own transportation There are no buses going to or Milton where most of the social services are he said Efficiency In local government could be increased if a municipal complex is built From a business management standpoint It would make good sense to have all department heads and staff In one building he said Anything of benefit to my community I support wholeheartedly he said Even an Energy From Waste plant in Acton might be valuable he said j to the we keep the public Informed he said Word 1 candi date Gerald ton needs a strong voice on town council so it doesnt become a backwater Gerald Itennle People who live Acton are not regarded as an important part of Halton Hills and they need that attention a strong voice All issues come under this umbrella he said The former Presbyterian minister stated his experience in problem solving would be an asset to council In Winnipeg where I was a minister I was clerk of the presbytery chief administrative officer for half the population of Manitoba Legal financial moral and educational are some of the disputes Mr Rennie said he helped resolve There is no single issue that has brought Mr Rennie into politics I think that is foolish I hope councillors Its not that kind of work he said Mr who sees all Issues as connected is concerned with Acton image as much as anything else I think we could do a lot to make the town more attractive so when people come from out of town they see a picturesque place he said 1 think people ought to be proud of the town Population growth is a way of improving the towns image and industrial growth Is a way of increas ing the population he said There Isnt enough major lndu and I don think much being done to promote Acton as a place for industry Mr Rennie said An energy from waste plant for Acton is no problem for Mr provided it doesnt pollute the land water and air Sensible growth is acceptable to Mr Another 3000 people Is sensible he said Were in a scenic area and you don want to turn it into downtown Toronto he added Its Important that the three councillors whoever they are work together for Acon by acting together I have had In getting people working together for a common goal in taking diverse groups arid getting cooperation be said That is one of his goals If he gets on council REGIONAL COUNCILLOR An interest Good record as citizen experience Rick Bonnet- councillor can didate for Ward 1 has keen Inte rests as a ten and as a businessman In the future of Acton he said His liveli hood Is In Act on be said I have three years whlcb Is more than any recent regional councillor has had before they went to the region I am a dedicated and determined councillor he said Some examples of bis determina tion he said are initiating talks for VTA Rail in Acton and retaining the tax and Hydro offices in Acton If you take away the tax and Hydro offices Acton would be like a subdivision be said The most important Ward 1 Issue In this election to Mr Bottnette la water A fast resolution Is needed because without water the town wont grow be said Weve been told that by the province The region must put pressure on the province be said Water means growth which would improve the downtown through the opening of a variety of stores he said Its water the foundation of the community Acton hoi had a water problem for ten years Obviously enough isnt being done be said Actons growth should be restrict ed Mr Bonnette would not like to see Acton grow beyond 10000 people because It would lose the flavor of a small town he said Nor should every industry Interested In locating in Acton be accepted He sees an Energy from Waste plants precarious proposal that should be investigated On tbe surface it sounds great But on the other hand what if It means two to three hundred garbage trucks going through Acton dally A lot of study by region province and especially by tbe public must take place be said The role of watch dog at tbe region for the people of Acton would be Mr Bonnettes role My Job would be to make sure Acton gets its share of regional money he said Purchasing the Stevens property for a municipal complex was not In the best Interests of the town he said The town staff have to have some accommodation but does that mean a municipal complex what the best plan Is I dont know Dave Whiting elected Its a time consuming Job and Ive got the time he said Tax equallzatii problem for Wardl residents Now it Is what should they do with their garb age Mr Whiting said An Inexpens ive solution must be found Mr Whiting has been studying the Energy from Waste solution for three years and supports building one In Acton However he believes the people must be provided with as much information as passible so they can make final decision Energy from Waste would create Jobs solve the garbage problem and attract industry by lowering local energy prices he said He stressed that he and his family live in Acton and that he is concerned with safety as much as anyone dont ask for it the plant we wont get it he said Burlington also wants the plant be said Mr Whiting would like the town population to reach by year MOO He believes that million from regional government for a water treatment plant will make that a realistic increase Weve been work ing on the water problem and within the year It should be resolved The province must move he said A social service program for children crisis those with family problems to be run out of the Old Stone School Is a program Mr Whiting la Interested in ana is now working on The program Is In tbe organizing stage but could be started in one and a half to two yean if the province funds It he sold The distance children must travel for services to southern would be eliminated and a use would be found for the Old Stone School be said A municipal complex for Hills Is not supported by Mr Whiting but maybe In ten or IS years the town will be reedy to build one he said We dont have the assessment to pay for It and It we have to borrow money were looking at an per cent Increase In taxes he said