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» 2 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, October 23,1991 Section Two N IA dV'\ h a l\ \ ! V Former Publishers Rev. W. R. Climie, 1854-1878 • M.A. James, 1878-1935 • George W. James, 1935-1957 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited .2L--3 For 137 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher - John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Richard A. James Plant Manager - Donald J. Bishop Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Rick Patterson, Julie Cashin-Oster, Laurens Kaldeway, Doug Lugtenbuig, Sharon McMullen, Barb Patterson, Sean Pickard, Ralph Rozema, Jim Snoek, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Laveme Morrison, Pat Patterson-Savage Editorial Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfredo, Laura J. Richards Office Angela Luscher, Junia Carnegie, Grace McGregor, Nancy Pleasancc, Marilyn Rutherford, Barb Schouten P.O. Box 190,62 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario, L1C 3K9 416-623-3303 Fax 416-623-6161 Bad Times Bring Out Full Slate For Election Town of Newcastle residents are to be congratulated. They have taken an important first step towards ensuring that we will have effective government over the next three years. A look at the list of potential council members, trustees, and hydro commissioners says it all. In this election, not one scat has gone uncontested. And, judging by the number of all-candidates' meetings coming up in the next few weeks, it's obvious that there's not only an abundance of candidates willing to stand for public office but also a lively interest in hearing what they want to say. In the past, local elections usually had at least one or two jobs for which there were no opposition candidates and those who merely signed nomination papers were acclaimed to their posts. Frankly, in a ward of upwards of 10,000 eligible nominees, we found acclamations difficult to understand. Moreover, in the past we could usually count on two or three all-candidates' meetings. By contrast, there will be four such meetings held this week alone. All the evidence suggests that there is a healthy interest in local politics. How can we account for this pleasant - if unexpected - turn of events? Well, it's possible that this is just an anomaly and that the traditional apathy will return. But, not likely. We believe that there's a direct co-relation between difficult economic times and the interest that the public has in all levels of the government process. When things are going well, it doesn't matter too much which leaders arc at the helm of government. If, for example, a local township introduces a 10 per cent tax increase, it can be accepted by citizens whose standard of living is also rapidly improving year after year. But let that standard of living start to erode and it suddenly becomes important whether the local township passes a tax increase of 10 per cent or three per cent. It becomes equally important for school boards and utilities to account for how they spend their dollars. The need for attracting new businesses into a municipality and keeping the businesses already operating becomes more than a platitude or an election promise. It becomes a matter of survival. And there are many other political issues which come into focus more clearly when the economy is in a downturn and citizens realize what they stand to lose. And, at the national and provincial level, people become equally interested in government spending and all the other actions of government. In this country, where we have extensive democratic freedoms, we have all-too-frcqucntly been lax in participating fully in the process. We were content to let the other guy stand for public office. Sometimes, sad to say, we were also happy to let the other guy attend a candidates' debate or even cast his/her ballot at the polls if we were too busy to bother. At all levels of government, we may not have always selected the very best candidates to represent our interests. Indeed, it may have been because of the fact that those best qualified were reluctant to serve that we find ourselves in the economic doldrums of 1990-91. Everyone knows that the economy is cyclical and that periods of prosperity are followed by leaner times. But the speed with which we get out of the economic doldrums and the ongoing quality of life we enjoy can depend very much on the political leadership of a country, a province, and even our local municipalities. Perhaps, government follows its own cycle of boom and bust. Perhaps there are years of apathetic constituents and free-spending elected officials followed by years of politically conscious constituents and high-calibre leadership. Maybe, the Canadian voters are waking up and smelling the coffee. Maybe they are saying: "Hey, it's just possible that the passing of resolutions and the debates and committee meetings have a direct impact on the quality of life we lead in our towns, our provinces and our country." If that's the case, then it follows that politicians are more than members of a debating society. They actually have a large say in the way we lead our lives. Therefore, it makes sense to spend some time following the political process, supporting particular candidates and casting an informed vote on election day. To recapitulate, let us say that in the good times, the quality of our political leaders doesn't matter quite so much. Governments manage to muddle through because times are good and elected leaders can spend their way out of any problems they might encounter. But in the lean times, the quality of political leadership is crucial to our future. Given the renewed interest in the local elections, it seems as though voters have grasped the fact that elections mean something and that the ballot cast by the individual elector means something. In view of this new attitude, let's hope for constructive changes in the future. OF THE. 4/4> CANt>iMTE,s. Running for. MUNICIPAL OFFICE,,. ... MAN y HAVE yer To LEARN,To TRAVEL- U^MTLy. by Laura J. Richards Have you ever noticed how some people age better than others? I'm not talking about fewer fewer wrinkles, cither. When people keep a sense of fun about them, that is, to me, growing older gracefully. Take my Grandmcre Fournier-Furlought who died four years ago during the Thanksgiving weekend. That was one heck of a fun-loving woman. Her strength was enormous enormous and her love was bigger. She could make me smile when all others failed and especially especially when I did not want to smile at all. I think that my sense of humor definitely comes from my mother's side of the family. family. It is with her in mind that I let you glimpse into my different different sense of humor. Please note I've tried hard not to be sexist. *** You know that you're get- Candidate Comments on Heritage Dear Mr. Jackman: In your recent 'open letter' to all candidates seeking election election in the Town of Newcastle, you asked each of us to comment comment on the importance of 'heritage' to our community. As a candidate for the, position of Local Councillor for Ward 3 (formerly Clarke Township), I will give you my point of view. Communities that really 'work' also, seem to have a strong sense of their own identity. identity. This identity comes from a knowledge of their own heritage. heritage. An understanding of what has made them what they are today provides these communities communities with a clear idea of their future direction. 'Heritage' in. by Rick James this context cannot be narrowly defined as the preservation of historic buildings and artifacts. While it is important to maintain maintain the physical evidence of the past, it is equally important to preserve tRe' social and geographical geographical heritage of a community. community. ' Clarke Township has . a strong pioneering tradition that reaches back to its agricultural origins. It forms the basis of our current economy and is a legacy from the Massey family business that was founded on farming. The Fiddlers Club that currently meets in that building comes from the same rural roots. The music and theatre produced by local residents residents in the historic Orono Town Hall arc also products of the sense of community that has flourished in Clarke for many generations. The volunteer volunteer organizations that meet the social needs of our youth and older citizens come from the tradition of caring and community community involvement. The neighbours neighbours who rallied to the aid of the victims of the tornado that hit Clarke last year are part of the same tradition. There are many other examples of how our social heritage determines what is done in our community today. Residents of Clarke also enjoy enjoy a unique geographical 'heritage'. 'heritage'. The rich farmland, rolling rolling hills, vast forests and abundant water resources are part of this heritage. It provides the setting for our villages, hamlets and our homes. It is an integral part of our quality of life. Our historic, social and geographical geographical heritage defines what we are as a community. Each of us is a 'trustee' of that heritage. heritage. It is up to us to do what we can to enhance it and to pass it on to the next generations. generations. In a very real sense, we are creating tomorrow's 'heritage' 'heritage' today. The staff, directors and members of Clarke Museum and Archives have long recognized recognized the importance of preserving preserving our 'heritage'. They deserve support, financial and otherwise, from the Town of Newcastle. Of greater importance importance is the need for the support support and active participation of the residents of the area that they serve. Sincerely, David Scott R.R. 1 Orono ting older when: - You begin your sentences sentences with, "When I was your age..." or "I remember when..."or "Things (ic. cars, houses, furniture, appliances, governments) used to be better better built when I was your age." - You begin to sing along with Elvis, Olivia Newton John, the Doobic Brothers, the Eagles, Elton John and the Osmond Brothers. - You begin to realize that the radio deejay just called your favorite song "a golden oldie." - It's easier to drive to the corner store than to walk. - Your female friends no longer have to get their father's father's permission to go out Friday nights, but tell their companions where they will be in case of an emergency. - The person being driven to ballet classes, the "Y," and little league is not you but you or your companion's child. . - You're at the corner store and the cashier says, "Thanks Ma'am/Sir." - You look at house, garden garden and landscape plans and articles when you pick up a magazine. - Wonderland becomes less than wonderful. - You know that Michael Landon was the teenage werewolf long before Michael Michael J. Fox. - You would rather go through the animal barns, or the arts and crafts exhibits than visit any of the midway rides at the fair, except may be die merry-go-round, the Tilt-t-whirl or the Scrambler. - You ask, "The Teenage Ninja Mutant whats?" - You can remember fivc- ccnt bags of chips, milk that still came in glass bottles, real jaw breakers, gum that wasn't made with fake sugar, Kool-Aid that was a whole lot cheaper to buy, A&W take outs and how to hum the A&W theme song. - You can divide your friends into those who went to Expo '67 and those who weren't born then. - Girls were not allowed to take industrial arts in school and boys weren't allowed to take home economics. People . thought, even if they never came out and said it, that their children might become homosexuals if they took such classes. - Your friends don't want to celebrate your birthdays because they know that they arc the same age. - Your knees give out long before you've run out of film. - You turn 30 and begin to plan, save and look forward to retirement. - CBC was the only channel channel you could get on your television television set no matter which way you twisted the antennas and how many balls of tin foil were attached to them. *** My grandmcre had a delightful delightful sense of fun and her humor was basically wicked. And, even though I still miss her, she is still a part of my everyday life -- because I fully believe -- that I have her wicked sense of humor. LETTER TO THE EDITOR Best Rd. Residents Upset By Two Year Extension One of the nice things about living in our community is that there is always something to write about. For some newspaper columnists it's difficult to write about anything except the weather. But, with the goings- on that seem to always happen In the Town of Newcastle, Newcastle, there's never a dull moment. Item one involves former mayor John Winters who faxed his mayoralty registration papers to the town hall moments before the 5:00 p.m. deadline. Even though the town clerk instructed him to do so, his nomination papers papers were later deemed to be invalid because the signature signature could not be accepted as an original. Every day, thousands of business transactions are completed using fax machines. Obviously, none transmit original signatures. Who cares? We're quite sure that town officials never wait for originals in the normal course of business. So what if Winters sent his information by fax? The clerk is responsible for municipal elections and between the two of them, it was agreed that Winters' information could be faxed. We're not clear on the legal status of faxed documents, but in our mind if the two parties were in agreement, it should be acceptable. What ever happened happened to a good, old handshake? Obviously, Winters' intentions are sincere, but they are being hampered by bureaucratic red tape. We wonder if that same red tape would have existed if the situation had occurred for a position lower down on the council totem pole? Or, if tire name had not been John Winters? Bottom line...if he wants to run for mayor, why not let him and let the voters decide if lie should be elected again. Item two involves the possibility of making gun controls controls lighter for hunters and target shooters. As always, common sense is wiped out by an isolated situation that unfairly legislates everyone. For years, people have been target shooting along the beach at Courtice. Hunters have been along the town's lakcfront even longer. Proposed by-law changes include a ban on hunting within 100 metres of residential lots, and within 200 metres of lire lakcfront, Keep in mind that hunting is already restricted to outside Bowmanville town limits. We haven't seen Courtice beach lately, so we can only say that if there is a legitimate problem, prohibit it there. But, don't throw legislation at the entire town that ovcr-rcstricts target shooting. As for hunters, some of the best duck and goose hunting hunting takes place within the new boundaries proposed by the town. The difference is that in order to shoot in these areas, hunters require written permission from the land- owner to be there. Those who are not welcome can be charged with trespassing. In most cases, the permission is granted to the hunter to help control crop loss, and to keep unwelcome hunters out. It is a co-operative relationship that has existed for years and is now being wiped out because of a totally unrelated incident. Unfortunately, it will probably be lost because most people do not understand hunting and the safety precautions precautions already in place. We guarantee that no one is more concerned about the end of that barrel than the guy pulling pulling the trigger. And finally, we think it's only fair that all candidates for the upcoming municipal election be granted a paid month off from their jobs to prepare for November 12th. After all, the present council has taken the next four weeks off to do just that. That's in addition to the time they just had during the summer months. Perhaps they deserve the time for outstanding service during the past three years? Or, maybe they don't want to rule on anything controversial so close to the election? Possibly, decisions made today will unfairly affect to-- morrow's council? For whatever reason, you and I should be fuming mad, because we are the ones paying for the lack of performance. performance. No council meetings, no agenda, no political savvy, no common sense. With an election only four weeks away, would it not be wise to work your buns off and prove that you are worthy of the position. We would think that a good performance performance on-the-job would be far more valuable than any door-knocking in the final stages of a campaign, Be careful to distinguish between "on-the-job performance" performance" and "holding a trump card up your sleeve." We won't be surprised if some major announcement is made just before the election is called. Perhaps a huge housing development, or maybe a giant manufacturing plant promising thousands of jobs. Whatever it may be, it's just one more way of unfairly stacking the deck in favor of the incumbent. Why is it that politics and common sense never seem to work together? ( The Statesman encourages Guest Editorials and Letters to the Editors. Please remember to include your name with your submissions By-law offender gets special special privileges and support of Town Council. For the past 18 years Stewart Stewart Wood operated his trucking business illegally from his residence residence on Best Rd. (North Orono) Orono) with the Town's blessing, and without paying any business business taxes. The Best Road Residents Group appeared before the O.M.B. and the OMB ruled on their behalf that the Town could not rezone Mr. Wood to legalize his business. O.M.B. Quote: "The Board orders that the appeals against By-Law 90- 115 are allowed and said bylaw bylaw is repealed." Prior to the October 15th, 1991, Council Meeting, the Mayor and Town Council were fully aware of the fact, that "Stewart Wood Transport Ltd." purchased a Commercial Property in the Township of Manvers, County of Victoria, Plan 9R-2610 on October 30, 1990, where they could move and operate this business legally- legally- In spite of this preceding knowledge, and without giving any consideration to safety, nor the residents of Best Rd., Mr. Wood has been granted a two year extension by the To\yn Council in which it has to move his trucking operation to a commercial site. Quite frankly, we do riot understand understand that the Mayor and the Council of the Town of Newcastle, with the exceptions of Councillors Hamre, Hooper and Hannah, dare to disregard the OMB ruling! Why the delay of two (2) years to move a fleet of 8 dump-trucks? This task could be accomplished accomplished in 6 months time, or the latest in May 1992. Could this be an oversight on behalf of Town Council? or perhaps a case of adding insult to injury?, a vendetta?, or do the Mayor and Town Council actually think that they are above the law? Best Road Residents Group. P.S. A copy of a video tape showing Best Road and its condition is available to anyone anyone involved in a mishap with track traffic. Corry van Lith m m W € o A .cy dl Is traffic flow becoming a problem in downtown Bowmanville? And. n Said Wendy Lagden I just find it really slow as opposed to driving in Oshawa or Whitby. I usually drive along Taunton. Robert Haynes Orillia Seeing that I am a casual visitor from Toronto, where I work, I think the traffic is good. The parking is great. Jeff Lunney Bowmanville Always has been. There are more cars, more people as the town's getting bigger. Sharon Knapp Bowmanville Yes, during peak hours like after 5 o'clock on Thursday nights and all day on Fridays. The way the lights arc set up, cars can be backed up half way down to the next light. Next week's question: Should faxed signatures be accepted on legal documents? m