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THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, JUNE 27,2001 PAGE 7 ♦ Attendance is for the period between between Dec., 2000 and May, 2001 ♦ Expenses arc for the year 2000* ♦ Expenses for new councillors are for Dec. 2000 only Mayor John Mutton This year: A Last year: B+ Expenses: Region: $1,135.29, Ga- naraska Conservation Authority: $45 Municipal: Jan. to Nov. $6,914.11, Dec. $1,847.21 Attendance: Region: attended 15/15 council, 17/18 finance committee, committee, Municipal: 10/10 council, 11/11 committee. Experience: Second term on council, council, mayor since December 2000, regional regional councillor Ward 3 and 4 from December 1997 to November 2000. Committees: Chairman of Finance and Administration for Clarington, Regional Regional finance and administration committee member, ITER Canada board, ITER Community Council member, Greater Toronto Services Board (GTSB) member, GTSB Best Practices Committee, Vcridian Board of Directors, Vcridian Connections, Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, Authority, Region's task force on affordable affordable housing. Volunteer and Community Activities: Activities: Member, Bowmanville Legion Branch 178, Durham Masonic Lodge #66, Newcastle Lions Club. Key Issues: "Maintaining a low tax rate while providing service level enhancements, enhancements, bringing ITER to Canada, supporting innovative policing with zero tolerance of vandalism and crime and determining appropriate service migration to the GTSB and how growth, planning and local decision making in Clarington will be impacted." impacted." This Week Comments: Mayor Mutton has quickly assumed the leadership leadership role while chairing local council meetings. He isn't afraid to defend his point of view even if controversial, as demonstrated with the proposed levy on property taxes for hospital capital expansion, which he was against. Yet he can be pragmatic as seen during debate debate regarding Old Bowmanville infrastructure, infrastructure, where he recommended and voted for compromise. He has shown a commitment to satisfying the need for facilities in high-growth Courtice and has been a strong voice for Clarington at the regional level. His assertive style .has won him both praise and criticism but he is rarely ineffective. Ward 1 and 2 Regional Councillor Jim Schell This year: B+ Last year: A- 2000 Expenses: Municipal: Municipal: Jan. to Nov. $6,397.05, Dec. 695.75 Regional: Dec. 2000, zero. Attendance: Regional council: 9/9 Regional planning committee: 8/8 Municipal council: 9/10 GPA committee: 11/11 Experience: Second term on council; council; regional councillor since Nov., 2000, local Ward 2 councillor from Nov. '97 to Nov. 2000. Committees: Chairman of Clarington Clarington planning and engineering, Solina Hall Board member, Orono Forestry Lands committee, Clarington Children's Children's Advocacy, Bowmanville BIA, Deputy mayor for half of this term. Volunteer and Community Activities: Activities: Rotary, Kinsmen, K-40, OPG site planning, Legion, Healthy Communities Communities Committee, Roadwatch, Masonic Masonic Lodge, treasurer St. John's Church and many more. Key Issues: "Financing the services services without a large tax increase will continue to be the single largest issue facing all municipalities including Clarington. Downloading of provincial mandates, GTSB and regional pressures pressures will continue to complicate this issue along with the moving target of current value property assessment." This Week Comments: In his second second term, Coun. Schell continues to be a voice of reason and insight. The councillor did not provide much input in council discussions early in this term but has been more forthcoming on issues in recent weeks. Now that he has his feet wet at the Region, he seems more willing to share his thoughts on regional issues back at home. The councillor has publicly raised concerns about local autonomy for Clarington within the GTSB. He has a record of supporting growth-related growth-related services. Ward 3 and 4 Regional Councillor Charlie Trim This year: B- Last year: C+ 2000 Expenses: Municipal: Jan. to Nov. 2000 $6,772.05, Dec. $748.09 Regional: zero (Dec. only) Ganaraska Conservation Autl ity: $192. This Week/Canabian Statesman Municipal Report Card June 2001 CLARINGTON Grades Achievement of Expectations A- tO A+ Excellent, best among peers B- tO B+ Solid performance, moves fair share of motions C- tO C+ Fair, only average in most categories D- tO D+ Weak, not up to the task, not effective, not accessible F Awful, shouldn't be there,' In what has become a yearly tradition, This Week and The Canadian Statesman offers its opinion on the performance of our municipally elected officials and of the Durham Regional chairman. Our assessment is based not only on their performance performance at public meetings and functions but on the feedback we receive from the public during the course of reporting on local issues. ing with a complex issue such as paper sludge. In council she comes well-prepared well-prepared and is not afraid to ask tough questions even if she is a lone voice. She has great passion for her own ward and the committees she represents but sometimes is perceived as nit-picking on proposed projects, and those people representing them, from other areas. Ward 2 Local Councillor Don MacArthur This year: B Last year: n/a 2000 Expenses: $695.75 (Dec. only) Attendance: Municipal council: 9/10 GPÂ committee: 11/11. Experience: Ward 2 councillor since Dec., 2000 Committees: Bowmanville Museum Museum board, Clarington Public Library board, LACAC, animal services advisory advisory committee, Samuel Wilmot Nature Nature Area board. Volunteer and Community Activities: Activities: Terry Fox run organizing committee, committee, working with Hampton Citizens' Citizens' Group. Key Issues: "Making Clarington first choice for the ITER project. To do this we must make our community even more attractive by improving the infrastructure, maintaining our sound planning and development practices and providing quality recreational and cultural opportunities." This Week Comments: This rookie rookie is quickly proving he's a fast learner. learner. Early in the term, Coun. MacArthur tended to speak off the cuff but in recent recent months has come to council more prepared and as a result is more effective. effective. Coun. MacArthur faced a big challenge this spring with a contentious contentious issue from his ward regarding the Old Bowmanville neighbourhood. He remained cool-headed through heated debate, bringing forward the point of view of his constituents while remaining respectful to the rest of council. He has voiced strong support for recreational facilities, specifically a tournament-quality hardball facility for Clarington. Ward 3 Local Councillor Pat Pingle This year: B Last year: n/a 2000 Expenses: $695.75 (Dec. only) Attendance: Municipal council: 9/10 GPA committee: 11/11 Experience: Elected Nov. 2000, 1994-1997 local councillor Ward 2, 1992-1995 Clarington Hydro Commission, Commission, 1989-1992 Property Standards Standards committee. Committees: 2001 abandoned cemetery board, Clarke Museum board member, Tyrone Hall board member, Ontario Power Generation liaison. Volunteer and Community Activities: Activities: Wilmot Creek Nature Trail volunteer, volunteer, Port Darlington Association member. Key Issues: "Being informed and open on all pertinent information pertaining pertaining to municipal,' regional and Greater Toronto Services Board issues. Being fiscally responsible, encouraging encouraging industry and respond and act promptly to all Ward 3 concerns." This Week Comments: Coun. Pin- Attendance: Regional council: 9/9 Regional health and social services committee: 10/10 Municipal council: 10/10 GPA committee: 11/11 Experience: Second term on council; council; regional councillor since Nov., 2000, local Ward 4 councillor from Nov. '97 to Nov. 2000. Committees: Regional health and social services committee including four sub-committees, Regional transit committee vice-chair, GTSB alternate, Ganaraska conservation board, Bowmanville Bowmanville Museum Board, Clarington Visual Arts Centre board, Newcastle BIA board, Orono Arena board, four hall boards. Volunteer and Community Activities: Activities: Lions Club, lodge, church. • Key Issues: "The most important issue currently facing council is to continue to provide acceptable services services within budget limitations." This Week Comments: Coun. Trim is conscientious and attempts to think outside of the box when bringing forward ideas to council. Although they aren't always feasible, they are brought forward with the best interest of his constituents at heart as was the case with his plan to install public washrooms in all downtown areas. Sometimes more consultation with stakeholders and staff prior to bringing motions forward would be advisable. Coun. Trim is a good watchdog for east Clarington but sometimes seems to forget he represents the interests of all taxpayers in Clarington. Ward 1 Local Councillor Jane Rowe This year: A- Last year: B+ 2000 Expenses: Jan. to Nov.: $9,151.06, Dec. $695.75 Attendance: Municipal council: 9/10 GPA committee: 10/11 Experience: Ward 1 local councillor councillor since Nov., 1997 Committees: Community services and clerks department chairman, Clarington Clarington Public Library board member and sub-committee member, council liaison to Local Architectural Conservation Conservation Advisory Committee, Solina Hall board, Friends of the Second Marsh municipal representative, Kawartha Conservation Authority board member, Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority board member, member, Courtice Corridor Study committee. committee. Volunteer and Community Activities: Activities: Community Foundation of Durham board of directors, Canadian Federation of University Women's Club member, Bowmanville Business and Professional Women's Club member. member. Key Issues: Growth. "As the municipality municipality adds new roads, new services, services, new programs, new buildings, new projects, new initiatives and expands expands upon existing functions then we arc increasing the demands on our present present and future financial resources as well as upon our staff. Growth exacerbates exacerbates many other issues such as transportation transportation problems and environmental issues. Growth also strains the priorities priorities and financing for social aspects of the community such as youth and senior senior issues." This Week Comments: Councillor Rowe is a vital part of the Ward 1 community community and can be found at any function function whether it is a business opening or a meeting of concerned residents deal- gle is an approachable councillor who has proven she will make the extra effort effort for her constituents. Coun. Pingle favours the underdog, often raising the concerns of seniors and those facing financial financial constraints. She stood firm to hold the line on taxes during budget deliberations. The councillor is still on a bit of a learning curve coming back after a term away from council. However, However, she is never afraid to speak her mind when she is certain in her conviction. conviction. Ward 4 Local Councillor Cord Robinson This year: B- Last year: n/a 2000 Expenses: $695.75 (Dec. only) Attendance: Municipal council: 10/10 GPA committee: 11/11 Experience: Ward 4 councillor since Dec.2000. Committees: Kendal Community Centre, Newtonville hall board, Newcastle Newcastle hall board, Clarke Museum, Orono Town Hall, Orono BIA, Agricultural Agricultural Advisory Committee, Newcastle Newcastle Arena Board. Volunteer and Community Activities: Activities: Manager Orono Fair, Motor Madness truck and tractor pull fundraiser organizer. Key issues: "Athletic facilities have not kept up with the demand put on them but this new council has made staff aware of this problem. The most important issue facing council is garbage and I will be working with staff in getting a solution to this problem. problem. One area I will be investigating is incineration and upgraded recycling." This Week Comments: Councillor Robinson is an approachable and popular popular councillor who attempts to bring the concerns of his constituents to council's attention and tries to do what he believes is just. He is still learning procedure and the mandate of municipal municipal government and should further research research some issues before bringing them to council. One-on-one he will defend the way he has voted although he rarely participates in council debate, debate, to the detriment of those he represents. represents. When he does speak, it is often in regard to agricultural issues, to which he seems well-tuned. Durham Region Chairman Roger Anderson Last year: B This year: B Serving second term as Regional chairman. Was a local and Regional Regional councillor in Ajax between 1985 and 1997. Attendance: Attended 15/15 Regional Regional council, 16/18 finance and administration, administration, 6/16 health and social services, 7/16 planning and 13/16 works committee meetings. Expenses: $29,351 for conferences, conferences, conventions and meetings and $3,913 for automotive expenses. Committees: A member of Durham's works, planning, finance and health and social services committees. committees. Serves on the Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation, is vice-chairman of the GO Transit board, co-chairman of a provincial land ambulance task force, member of the board of directors for the Association Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Current volunteer and communi ty activities: Involved with Junior Achievement of Durham Region, Kinsmen Club, a member of the ITER Canada board of directors, and the Durham Children's Aid Society board of directors. Also involved with a community community leadership group that has worked to bring a university to Durham. Most important issues facing Durham: Obtaining sustainable funding funding sources for capital infrastructure; planning for growth; attaining full current current value assessment and fairness across all property tax classes; and addressing addressing transportation issues across the Region. This Week's comments: Improving Improving Durham's aging infrastructure and attracting new investment continue to be priorities for the Regional chairman. chairman. He has been an avid supporter of bringing both the ITER nuclear project and a university to Durham. Mr. Anderson Anderson was also active in seeking the extension of Hwy. 407 through Durham and although unsuccessful, recommended the implementation of a special tax levy to help fund expansions expansions at area hospitals. The chairman is keen to see the continuation of the Region's Region's two-tier system and to reach a consensus on the realignment of services services in Durham. Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board ♦ Attendance is for the period between between Dec., 2000 and May, 2001 ♦ Expenses are for the period between Dec., 2000 and May, 2001 Nancy Coffin Clarington trustee This year: B Last year: C Expenses: $3,095.45 Attendance: 11/12 Experience: Second term as trustee; first elected in 1997. Committees: Chairperson's; chairman chairman of program; vice-chairman of budget; resource; alternate to the Special Special Education Advisory Committee; negotiations - elementary occasional representative. Volunteer and Community Activities: Activities: Sits on the provincial com mittee for Kinark; volunteer with Clarington Clarington Project; volunteer at Dr. Ross Tilley Public School; Canadian Cancer Society and Heart and Stroke Society volunteer canvasser. Pet Issues: The late arrival of financial financial information regarding the board's upcoming budget negotiations. "It is interesting that the. Provincial government can take over eight weeks to give us the figures, yet we are still required to debate and pass the budget in five weeks, only 15 days difference to the original date" on which the board was to pass the budget. This Week Comments: Trustee Coffin has gained a great deal of confidence confidence over the past year, and seems to have, in her second term, settled into her role quite well. She's taking a real leadership role, chairing committees in an effort to gain even more experience. Once something of a "single issue" trustee with a bent toward special education, education, Ms. Coffin has noticeably broadened her scope, and has taken a special interest in the financial challenges challenges facing the board. She could be a little more vocal around the board table. Bob Willsher Clarington trustee This year: / Last year: / Expenses: $1 Attendance: Experience: and-a-half years; currently chairman of the board. Committees: Program review; resource; resource; striking; long-serving and retiring; retiring; trustee development; community community training and development; equity and diversity; poverty intervention; communications; culture and climate; chairperson's; Mitchell's Corners school review; Lockhart school review. Volunteer and Community Activities: Activities: Clarington Fire Department Risk Watch committee. Pet Issues: Student achievement - improving test results for KPR in Grades 3, 6 and 10; implementation of program changes to the curriculum; financial financial resources for KPR; accommodation accommodation issues across the board (new schools and continuation of school reviews reviews to maximize provincial new pupil place grants); a new secondary school for Clarington. This Week Comments: Mr. Willsh- er's experience both on the board and as chairman allows for efficient and effective effective board meetings. He isn't afraid to ask staff to take a second - and sometimes, sometimes, even a third - look at things, as is evident by a playground policy, first introduced introduced last fall, which has been sent back to board staff several times, until it accomplishes what Mr. Willsher had hoped it would. Again this year, Mr. Willsher would do well to blame the Province a little less, and start to play the financial hand the board has been dealt. CONTINUED on pana S