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4 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, December 5, 2000 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" New councillors take oath of office By John B. McClelland Port Perry Star There was a hint of politics in the air Monday aftemoon as the newly elected Scugog Township council took the oath of office at an inaugural meeting attended by a large crowd of family, friends and township dignitaries. After Mayor Doug Moffatt and the six members of his council (Regional rep Ken Carruthers, Ward I's Larry Corrigan, Ward 2's Marilyn Pearce, Ward 3's Jim McMillen, Ward 4's Dave Dietlein and Ward 5's Paul Michel) were sworn to office by municipal clerk Kim Coates, each had the oppor- tunity to-"say a few words." Usually the messages at these inaugural affairs are devoid of bla- tant political statements, as the newly elected confine their remarks to thanking those who supported them at the polls and pledging to work night and day with their colleagues to face and overcome all the challenges that lie ahead. Perhaps the strongest politics came from Ward 2 Councillor Marilyn Pearce, back on council after a three-year hiatus and never one to shy away from speaking her mind, no matter what the occasion. Councillor Pearce bluntly threw a huge challenge to her fellow councillors and the entire commu- nity of Scugog. Referring to "indoor facilities (which) lag badly behind those in surrounding municipali- ties," (read indoor swimming pool) she said, "we cannot just be com- petent financial managers." Instead of constantly asking "can we afford this," Councillor Pearce said the buzz-phrase should be "how can we afford to do this." She said the phrase "dare to dream" should be the motto of the council and she challenged the council, township staff, the busi- ness community and the general public to find ways to get things accomplished without putting a undue burden on the tax rates. "We cannot get stuck living in the past or just living day-to-day," she said. In his inaugural address, Mayor Doug Moffatt, starting his second term as head of the municipality after a strong showing at the polls Nov. 13, spoke of the issues ahead, most pressing being that of restructuring municipal govern- ment. He promised to keep the pub- lic informed through public meet- ings early in the new year, and said Scugog council will be meeting with their counterparts from other rural municipalities Dec. 21 to compare notes and map out some general strategy on this con- tentious issue. The mayor said that most peo- ple he heard from in Scugog would prefer the provincial govemment left the municipalities alone, and concentrated on fixing the house at Queens Park. "But we are creatures of the province, and we must pay atten- tion to what they are telling us," said the mayor. For the first time, the environ- ment will get attention from a council committee. Mayor Moffatt said the present fire committee will be changed to the committee for environmental concerns and public safety, a significant change for the council. He pledged to continue work- ing to improve the quality of life in Scugog for all who live here. Young people must have a part in the community, and he said the new OATH OF OFFICE: Above, Scu J. PETER HVIDSTEN/PORT PERRY STAR gog Township councillors read their oath of office. From left are Larry Corrigan (Ward 1), Marilyn Pearce (Ward 2), Jim McMillen (Ward 3), David Dietlein (Ward 4), and Paul Michel (Ward 5). council "will continue to move ahead with recreation needs." Regional rep Ken Carruthers noted that when it comes to municipal restructuring, the "sta- tus quo is not an option." "We must satisfy the wishes of the province and meet the needs of the people of Scugog," he said. A park for Prince Albert is a major priority, he said, and so is making sure the roads in rural Scugog are kept in good repair. Dave Dietlein, returned for his third term as the Ward 4 rep, kept his remarks in character: to the point. He said the real challenge will be to find a way for the 20,000 peo- ple of Scugog to be heard in a Greater Toronto Area with a popu- lation of millions. And he pledged to continue to "speak out on the issues," and "keep some kind of control on out taxes." Jim McMillen devoted much of his remarks to the need for the council to work as a team, likening the election to a "training camp" and the seven elected as those signed to contracts by the elec- torate. Paul Michel, one of the two rookies on the council, will repre- sent Ward 5. He kept his address to a minimum of words, calling his colleagues a wonderful team and pledging to work on the behalf of all Scugog residents. Larry Corrigan, the other rookie on the council block, also noted the support and sacrifice of his wife and family as he ventures into the political arena in Scugog. He said the late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was an inspiration for him with his ideal of an "inclu- sive and passionate country." Busy teen nominated for Junior Citizen Award By Chris Hall Port Perry Star A young Port Perry woman has been nominated for an Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year award for her dedication at school and within the community. Nominated by her mother, Irene, |7- year-old Krystal Manitius is the only local youth entered for the award It is sponsored annually by the Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA). A Grade 12 student at Port Perry High School, the nominee is an outstanding student who excels in her studies but. more importantly, gives freely of her time to others, says Mrs. Manitius in the nomination. An honour roll student at PPHS, Krystal tutors other math students, and organized a house league volleyball pro- gram at PPHS. She is the Durham District School Board representative for the Durham Volunteer Association board of directors, and assists with the volunteer child literacy program at R,H. Cornish. Krystal has also helped out with the PPHS Haunted House fundraiser and the local Rotary Club's Senior Dinner pro- gram. On top of all that, she's earned her brown belt in karate, and is a certified swimming instructor. "It's a big honour to be nominated for this award, it would be a big accomplish- ment to receive it," Krystal said last weekend "I really hate being bored. | do plenty of things, so I have to manage my time well. At the beginning of each week | have to plan my schedule and then fit in my social time around everything. 'Sure, it keeps me busy, but | really enjoy everything I do. I'm really interest- ed in a lot of community things and vol- unteer work, but school work is impor- tant too," said Krystal, who aspires to study law in the near future. Also nominated for the Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year award is Christopher Alexander, 11, of Bowmanville. His name was submitted by grandmother Mary Ellen Johansen of Port Perry. Seventeen-year-old K > I rystal Manitius of Port Perry has been nominated for.an Ontario Junior Citizen Award. The awards, sponsored by the Ontario Community Newspaper Association, are handed out in the spring. TY I \ i sl. -