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Municipal candidates address packed house of voters in Horton Township PETER CLARK
peter.clark@metroland.com
There was no clear winner at the Horton all-candidates night last Wednesday, but one thing is certain. People in Horton are interested in the well-being of their township. A capacity crowd at the community centre listened to three mayoralty candidates, 11 people running for four council spots, and two others vying for English Catholic School candidacy. The evening was hosted by the Castleford Women’s Institute. Following the singing of O Canada, led by retiring Horton Mayor Bob Johnston, CWI president Mae Craig welcomed all to the function, and explained the format. Each of the three candidates running for mayor – Rod Ballantyne, David Bennett and Don Eady – were given five minutes at the microphone, and three more minutes of closing comments. Councillor hopefuls David Brown, Glen Campbell, Ray Cunningham, Tony Dorzek, Bob Kingsbury, Jamey Larone, Theresa Lonergan, Sheri Sexton, Richard Walker, Margaret Whyte and Greg Zavitske were given three and two minutes respectively to speak, as were potential school trustees Bruce McIntyre and Anne Smith. There was also a question-and-answer period. MAYORS New to the Horton political scene, Ballantyne said he wasn’t running against the previous council. “They have made this a better township,” he observed of his predecessors. “I’m running for change,” he said. Ballantyne said it’s time to change how the township is governed, “how staff conducts their business and reviews their roles. It is your agenda, not our agenda. “We must keep an eye out for the future,” Ballantyne added, “and change how you as Horton taxpayers are involved before, during and after decisions are made. “I’m the dark horse. I’m the new guy,” he said. “If you really want change, I’m the one to vote for. I’ll honour that trust that you put in me.” If elected mayor, Bennett said he would
like to see Horton become the best community in Ontario for children and adults. A former two-time deputy reeve and council member since 1998, Bennett said existing committees are working. Horton has refinished three roads, including Garden of Eden Road, and brought in several businesses during his current four-year term on council. “The fire committee has given the fire department whatever they need,” Bennett added. “I wouldn’t change the structure of the committees. We have achieved a great deal.” The township has also added an office complex, changerooms and roof cover to the rink at the community centre, he added. Bennett would like to attract muchneeded doctors to the area. The township also needs cellular phone and Internet service improvements, he said. Eady, a 10-year veteran of the Horton scene, completes the list running for the mayor’s chair. “First and foremost, I believe Horton is about people,” he said. “Look at what we have: Storyland, the Valley Bluegrass, the Renfrew Golf Club, Heritage Radio, just to name a few.” Another thing Horton has is a rink, but Eady said, with the money put in, it can be better handled. “We need it 52 weeks a year and not about 12.” Eady said the township would be better served if committees were cut down to two people. “It’s quite obvious to everyone here, Horton is looking for change,” Eady said. “We do have to be more open to the people.” Improvements to health services and doctor recruitment are vital, Eady said. COUNCIL The 11 councillor candidates took to the podium to express what they can bring to the residents of Horton. “We need a concentrated effort to repair our roads,” Dave Brown said of soft shoulders and potholes. “The health-care system has to be addressed. We are losing doctors.” “I believe in public tenders,” Glen Campbell said. Three important issues are “roads, recreation and rates afford-
Candidates in Horton Township just before the start of the Sept. 29 all-candidates forum. Mercury photo by Peter Clark able in the area we live in.” Campbell said he will listen to what the people have to say. Ray Cunningham said council has to “look after the bottom line. We have to attract small- and medium-sized businesses. The new Toyota building is a great thing for taxes,” he adds. Tony Dorzek said money for roads is a priority, as well as doctor recruitment. “We can work on the answer together,” he added. Dorzek finds the current taxes in Horton reasonable. Doctor recruitment, fundraising, a concrete pad for the rink, septage, commercial development, and paying down the debt at a reasonable rate are important priorities for Bob Kingsbury, the lone incumbent running for this year’s council. “I will provide effective representation on all issues, whether they be compatible or controversial,” Kingsbury added. Roads, future development and future vision are in the sights of Jamey Larone. “I listen to what people say. Council has to be more accountable to the ratepayers,” he said. Larone would like to see an open forum at council meetings, perhaps once a month. Theresa Lonergan believes in fiscal accountability, and life-long learning. “I will learn more about the concerns, issues and management relating to all aspects of council. Recreation is not my
only focus,” she said. “There should be a public question period at council meetings, without the need to pre-book,” Lonergan added. “We should spend very carefully, spend on needs, not wants,” Sheri Sexton said. Her top issues include roads, septage, and the rink generating money for the township. “People should gather together on projects, volunteer time, work together, get to know each other,” Sexton added. “Concerns I see, from going door-todoor, is the level of taxes for the services we are getting,” Richard Walker observed. Garbage, snow removal and road repair were expressed for examples. “We have to hold the line on taxes.” Margaret Whyte has previous municipal experience with Arnprior council in the 1990s. She said roads and recreation are among things a growing community needs to improve. “We need to maintain a collaborative, accountable and fiscally and socially responsible council team,” Whyte said. Greg Zavitske looks to promote and develop growth in recreation, business, and local doctor recruitment, and provide residents with fair taxation. “Horton should be a proud place to grow up, live, work and retire in,” Zavitske added. SCHOOL BOARD Cell phones and staggered bells are two issues which have enticed Bruce McIntyre to enter the race for the Catholic school board. “(Ontario Premier Dalton) McGuinty is calling for cell phones in the classroom. Kids can’t afford backpacks. Cell phones in the classroom is ludicrous,” McIntyre stressed. “And staggered bells. Every parent I’ve spoken to doesn’t want staggered bells.” Anne Smith has a great passion for education. “The use of cell phones in the classroom is as a teaching tool,” she said. “We are living in the 21st century. We use any technology to keep students in school.” Phase two of staggered bells has saved the board a million dollars, Smith added. The municipal election takes place Monday, Oct. 25.
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October 7, 2010 - The Renfrew Mercury
ELECTION