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16 - "WEEKEND STAR" UQATD MAINT FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2001 MPP Ecker promoted in cabinet shuffle By Rik Davie Weekend Star Last week's provincial cabinet shuffle saw high-pro- file MPP Janet Ecker keep the education portfolio, while taking on a daunting new role as government house leader. The Uxbridge MPP told The Star her new role will not affect her commitment to the constituents who elected her. "The house leader is responsible for getting the leg- islative agenda through," Mrs. Ecker said. "It's a lot more work, but I am looking forward to it." Mrs. Ecker was awarded the plum position in a shuf- fle that saw fellow Durham Tory Jim Flaherty appointed Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier. The two other Durham area MPPs, John O'Toole and Jerry Ouellette, remain backbenchers with assistant roles in the house. Mrs. Ecker said that in addition to more responsibili- ties, she's been given more assistance in fulfilling her role, which includes acting as MPP for Uxbridge, Pickering and Ajax. ATL "I will have great staff support in the role of house leader," Mrs. Ecker said. "You set your objec- tives and you surround yourself with the kind of staff that will give you the support needed. "With good staff on my team 1 will be able to keep my focus on edu- cation in this province and on my constituency." Mrs. Ecker said that the role of a ~ cabinet minister is always chal- lenging. "Whether you are an MPP or a cab- inet minister, or a house leader, it is always a juggling 'act, there's no doubt of that," she said. "But-our con- stituents elect us to serve them, and that is what we do. I will always remain available to them." In the wide-ranging cabinet shuffle, Mrs. Ecker was one of the only top Tories to retain her ministry portfo- lio. Claremont residents invited to well info session Residents in Claremont are invited to join Durham Region Health Department for an information session to learn more about what it means to have a private This session will be held on Feb. 22. at Claremont Community Centre, 4959 Old Brock Rd. from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. During this session, pub- well system at your home. lic health inspectors from "MILESTONES 3 ahi BIRTHDAY lM Lyndsey! on February 19, 2001 Love Mom & Jeff Larry & Freda Vernon are pleased to announce the forthcoming marriage of their son Jimmy to Tonya { daughter of Preston & Alice Hogan of Tignish, PEL The wedding will take place in Tignish, June 30, 2001. Your family wish you both a lifetime of love & happiness. HAPPY 13TH the Health Department will - be available to answer a variety of questions about wells and provide partici- pants with resource materi- als for use at home. In addi- tion, there will be a short slide presentation on the proper operation and main- tenance of a private water _ system and displays with additional information. "We've received numer- ous inquiries about provid- 'private wells, "Durham ing such an opportunity for residents to have this infor- mation brought to their home community," says Neal Mattes, a senior public health inspector. For more information about -this session or for additional .information on "contact Region's Environmental Help Line at 723-8521 or 1-800-841-2729, ext. 2188. SER. SEPTIC SERVIGE SEPTIC & HOLDING TANKS PUMPED Serving Durham Region - Blackstock, Caesarea, Nestleton, Port Perry & surrounding areas. Also Serving the City of: Kawartha Lakes - Janetville, View Lake, Bethany, Pontypool & surrounding areas. Fully licensed by Ministry of Environment #A920417 398 Janetville Road, Janetville Tel: (705) 277-9594 o Cell: (905) 434-0454 1-800-910-7019 OMESTEAD FURNITURE & APPLIANCES HARDWOOD & LAMINATE FLOORING i | LAZ-BOY' ®& LEVOLOR ®SHADE-O-MATIC %. UNITED = CARPET 1918 PORT PE § SCUGOG ST., RY (905) 985-2451 Quilter for hire Betty Dalrymple is a hired gun for quilters. She is shown here, hard at work finishing a quilt for a local customer. Along with Gene Harrison and Mabel Luke they make up the Seniors Sewing Bee. The group takes on the completion of quilts started by others with the funds for their lighten- ing fast needle hands going to the Uxbridge Seniors Center. TOWNSHIP OF SCUGOG 3 2001 Interim Property == Tax Bills Are In The Mail The 2001 interim property tax bills have been mailed. The 2001 interim taxes are based on 50 percent of 2000 taxes, including 50 percent of the 2000 CVA (Current Value Assessment) adjust- ment. The interim bill is the first of two tax bills this year. The final tax bill will be mailed in late May 2001. Payment Due Dates for 2001 Interim: The first two payments for the regular instalment plan are: * February 26, 2001 * April 26, 2001 P ies On Late P : The Township will add a penalty of 1.25% on the unpaid amount of an instalment on the first day of each month as long as taxes remain unpaid. A monthly interest charge will also be imposed on any unpaid taxes from prior years. The penalty and interest rates are set by Township by-laws, pursuant to section 399(3) and 419(1) of the Municipal Act, CM45, R.S.0. 1990. Remember: Even if you do not receive a tax bill, you are still responsible for paying your property taxes by the due dates. For your convenience tax bills can be paid by mail, via telephone banking, Internet banking, pre authorized payment plan and at the Municipal office, located at 181 Perry St., Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. If you have not received your property tax bill, please call: od Township of Scugog Finance Department 181 Perry St., PO Box 780 Port Perry, On LIL 1A7 Phone: 905-985-7346 Fax: 905-985-9914 Suing EE a .[(§