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"Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" 2 PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, Octaber 17, 2000. - 3 - MUNICIPAL VOTE 2000 By Jeff Mitchell Port Perry Star Former councillor and school trustee Joyce Kelly has stepped forward to challenge incumbent David Dietlein in Ward 4. Mrs. Kelly, who narrowly lost the Ward 4 councillor's seat to Mr. Dietlein in 1997, registered Friday, Oct. 13, the deadline for nomina- tions in this fall's municipal election. She said she'd decided to run to prevent the incumbent being acclaimed to another term, as no one had stepped for- ward to challenge him. "I think the residents of Ward 4 deserve a choice," Mrs. Kelly said Friday. "Democracy is built on choice, and if you don't have choice, you don't have democracy." Mrs. Kelly is well-known in Cartwright. She was the ward councillor there from 1994 to 1997, and prior to that was a Scugog trustee Kelly with the Durham public school board for nine years. She's also involved with the Blackstock Agricultural Society, which presents the fair each August. She admitted she had struggled with the decision to run again, but in the end decided that it's important for at least two names to appear on the ballot in what could be a crucial election for Cartwright, and the entire township. The spectre of some sort Political newcomer Larry Corrigan will chal- lenge Harold Westerman for the Ward | seat in the upcoming municipal elec- tion. Mr. Corrigan was among several candidates who waited until the final hours of deadline day this past Friday (Oct. 13) to sign nomination papers. The election is Nov. 13. A retired school princi- pal, Mr. Corrigan, 59, is looking to bring a new per- spective to the Scugog council table. In a prepared release, the Prince Albert man- promised to bring "a gen- uine appreciation for peo- ple and the Township of Scugog; a fresh perspective and voice on local council; a leadership style which is collaborative and facilita- tive; an understanding of systems management and organizational develop- ment; an open an enquir- ing mind; (and) alternative dispute resolution skills, including mediation and the time and energy to devote to the job." While he served as a trustee on the Durham Board of Education for 11 years, this will be Mr. Corrigan"s first venture into municipal politics. During his time as a trustee, he held leadership positions at a local and provincial Corrigan joins race for Ward 1 seat Corrigan level. Mr. Corrigan said Scugog council will have to take a strong stand when amalgamation talks begin. "The need for the loom- ing amalgamation to take into consideration the unique character and needs of this township as well as its desired future," said Mr. Corrigan in his release. "The new council will need to address the ongo- ing issues of fiscal respon- sibility and accountability. The needs of our local businesses, farmers, seniors, and hard-working families must be safe- guarded with plans for industrial and residential growth. "We must also be vigi- lant with respect to envi- ronmental issues of clean water and waste manage- ment. The arts, sports, and recreational programs need our attention as well." of municipal realignment looms large on the horizon, and it's important that resi- dents of Scugog elect a council that can prepare for whatever change is to come, said Mrs. Kelly.' "1 would hope Ward 4 would have a strong voice, with some history behind it," said Mrs. Kelly. She said that although everyone would prefer the status quo to remain in Scugog, that's likely not to be the case; the province has imposed amalgamations and realign- ments throughout the province, following through on its aim to reduce the number of politicians and eliminate duplication of ser- vices at the municipal level. "I would like to see things remain the same, but | don't think that's likely," Kelly returns to challenge Dietlein in Cartwright she said. Another of Mrs. Kelly's goals in this campaign is to generate interest in the Nov. 13 election. Turn-out for municipal elections is notoriously poor, but was "disgraceful" in Cartwright in 1997, said Mrs Kelly. She said just 27 per cent of eligible ward voters cast ballots in that election, which she lost to Mr cr ---------------------------- Dietlein by 40 votes. It's important for people to take part in this most local and fundamental level of politics, said Mrs. Kelly, And that's why she's running again to create a race in Ward 4. | "| think the residents of Ward 4 deserve a choice," she said. "They may well choose David and if they do, bless his heart." | a Come check out other in store specials in all of our stores! i day with your * ld Gard EH It for details, Sale ends October 23/00 o Tommy Jeans o Ripzone (excluding outerwear) o Brook's (excluding outerwear) o Arrow o Gant o Deer Stags o Also $10 off Dockers wrinkle free pants PR@C IS BR@C K'S DRIES 168 - 178 Queen Street, Port Perry 905-985-2521 for Kids on foot a ----