By Valerie Johnson Nov 10, 2006
WATER, SEWER ISSUES DOMINATE CANDIDATES DEBATE
THERE IS NO DOUBT ABOUT IT, THE BIGGEST ISSUE ON THE MINDS OF WAINFLEET VOTERS AND CANDIDATES IS WATER AND SEWER.
IT WAS STANDING ROOM ONLY AS RESIDENTS PACKED INTO THE WAINFLEET FIRE HALL TUESDAY NIGHT TO HEAR THE CANDIDATES' VIEWS ON WAINFLEET'S MOST PRESSING ISSUES.
MAYORAL CANDIDATES GOT FIRST CRACK AT SHARING WHERE THEY STAND ON WAINFLEET'S WATER WOES AND ONLY INCUMBENT GORD HARRY STOOD BY THE REGION'S PROPOSED BIG PIPE PLAN, WHICH COULD COST UPWARDS OF $65-MILLION.
"I'M NOT GOING TO PRETEND I'M AN ENGINEER OR AN EXPERT ON SEWER SYSTEMS," SAID HARRY AS HE EXPLAINED THE REGION BROUGHT IN A PANEL OF EXPERTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO INVESTIGATE ALL THE OPTIONS IN A WEEK-LONG VALUE EXERCISE.
HE SAID THEY LOOKED AT 180 DIFFERENT SYSTEMS AND, WITH THEIR COMBINED EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE, DECIDED A PIPELINE FROM PORT COLBORNE WAS THE BEST OPTION.
HARRY DISMISSED THE ZENON SYSTEM, A SMALLER, LESS EXPENSIVE SYSTEM PROPOSED BY SOME OF THOSE OPPOSING THE PIPELINE.
INSTEAD OF TRADITIONAL SEWAGE PIPE, THE SYSTEM USES HOLLOW-FIBRE MEMBRANES THAT PUMP SEWAGE TO A SMALL TREATMENT PLANT ABOUT THE SIZE OF A DOUBLE CAR GARAGE.
DUE TO THE LENGTH OF WAINFLEET'S LAKESHORE, HARRY SAID IT WOULD REQUIRE FOUR OR FIVE SEPARATE ZENON SYSTEMS TO SERVICE IT.
"YOU'RE LOOKING AT MORE (MONEY) THAN THE BIG PIPE," HE SAID.
MAYORAL CANDIDATE BARB HENDERSON DISAGREED.
"I REALLY BELIEVE THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF DEVELOPING AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION," SHE SAID. "IT REALLY WARRANTS FURTHER INVESTIGATION."
MAYORAL CANDIDATE AL GUILER SUGGESTED THEY "FIX, REPAIR OR REPLACE THE SYSTEMS THAT ARE ALREADY THERE."
HE SAID BETTER POLICING OF BROKEN SEPTIC SYSTEMS IS NEEDED AND THE ZENON SYSTEM SHOULD BE LOOKED AT AS A LAST RESORT.
MAYORAL CANDIDATE RANDY CHEYNOWSKI SAID THE REGION HAS NOT INVESTIGATED THE SITUATION FULLY, AND WORRIED THE COST OF THE BIG PIPE COULD CONTINUE TO RISE.
"THEY NEED A BUSINESS PLAN," HE SAID, EXPLAINING THE REGION HAS NOT LOOKED INTO EXTRA COSTS THAT COULD POP UP, SUCH AS POSSIBLE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND GEOLOGICAL ROADBLOCKS.
"THERE ARE QUESTIONS THAT ARE UNANSWERED."
THOSE VYING FOR THE POSITION OF ALDERMAN ECHOED MANY OF THE THOUGHTS EXPRESSED BY HENDERSON, GUILER AND CHEYNOWSKI.
TED HESSELS SAID THE WATER AND SEWER ISSUE IS A REGIONAL PROBLEM AND THE COST SHOULD NOT BE BORNE BY THE WAINFLEET TAXPAYER.
"IF THEY WANT TO FORCE SOMETHING ON US THEY SHOULD BE FOOTING THE BILL," HE SAID.
RON KRAMER POINTED THE FINGER AT THE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
"THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS NOT DONE THEIR JOB. THEY LET THESE SYSTEMS GET OUT OF HAND," HE SAID, SUGGESTING THE HOMEOWNERS WHO CREATED THE PROBLEM BY ALLOWING THEIR SEPTIC SYSTEMS TO BREAK DOWN SHOULD BE FORCED TO FIX THEM.
INCUMBENT EVAN MAIN, WHO ATTENDED VALUE EXERCISE SAID, "(THE PANEL) ESTABLISHED THE PROBLEM, BUT NOT A SOLUTION."
HE SUGGESTED THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN FINDING THAT SOLUTION.
ROB SOUTER SAID THE REGION'S BIG PIPE PLAN WAS TOO EXPENSIVE.
"I DON'T WANT TO BE PAYING FOR SOMETHING 25 YEARS DOWN THE ROAD THAT STILL ISN'T PAID FOR."
HE ALSO AGREED THE INDIVIDUAL HOMEOWNERS WITH BAD SEPTIC SYSTEMS SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE.
EUGENE CANBY, WHO SAID HE DECIDED TO RUN SOLELY BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE CURRENT COUNCIL HAS HANDLED THE WATER AND SEWER ISSUE, AGREED INDIVIDUAL HOMEOWNERS SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE.
"WITHIN LIMITS IS THE PROPER WAY TO GO," HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED USING THE ZENON SYSTEMS FOR SMALLER GROUPS OF HOMES WHERE REPAIRS, OR HOLDING TANKS ARE NOT POSSIBLE.
"YOU'RE NOT GOING TO DO IT ON THE CHEAP, BUT I THINK YOU CAN CLEAN-UP SOME OF THE PROBLEM FOR $20,000 A HOUSEHOLD."
WHILE THE WATER AND SEWER ISSUE DOMINATED THE DEBATE, CANDIDATES WERE ALSO ASKED TO GIVE THEIR OPINION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONDOS AND TOWNHOUSES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
MOST CANDIDATES DANCED AROUND THE ISSUE, GIVING NO DIRECT ANSWERS AND FOCUSING ON THE PROPOSED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT THE FORMER LAKEWOOD CAMP.
INCUMBENT RUDY WARKENTIN SAID SO LONG AS THE DEVELOPERS FOLLOW ALL THE RULES, THERE IS LITTLE COUNCIL CAN DO TO STOP THEM.
"I THINK IT'S PREMATURE TO MAKE ANY CONCRETE STATEMENTS," WARKENTIN SAID ON THE SUBJECT.
ALDERMAN CANDIDATE EUGENE GRITTER AGREED WITH WARKENTIN WHEN IT CAME TO STATE OF THE LAKEWOOD DEVELOPMENT.
"WE'RE NOT REALLY IN A POSITION TO GIVE THE THUMBS UP OR THE THUMBS DOWN," HE SAID.
ALL CANDIDATES AGREED DEVELOPMENT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN WAINFLEET, BUT KRAMER WAS SKEPTICAL ABOUT THE LAKEWOOD DEVELOPMENT. "I'M OF THE OPINION WE DON'T NEED HIGH DENSITY ALONG THE LAKE," HE SAID.
WATER AND SEWER CONCERNS BIG ISSUE FOR CANDIDATES; EIGHT VYING FOR FOUR SEATS ON WAINFLEET COUNCIL
Water and sewer concerns along the lakeshore monopolized most of a two-hour debate among candidates for Wainfleet Township council Tuesday.
Residents packed the Wainfleet fire hall to gauge what politicians had to say about big issues facing the township between now and 2010.
About 280 people attended the third and final debate in a series hosted by the Port Colborne-Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce.
Showcased were the opinions of four mayoral candidates and eight candidates vying for four aldermen's seats.
Panelists for the last debate were Tribune managing editor George Duma and chamber members Paul Moore and Jody Edward.
Incumbent aldermen Rudy Warkentin, 69, and Evan Main, 66, faced six contenders: Eugene Canby, 77; Eugene Gritter, 37; Robbie Hales, 57; Ted Hessels, 45; Ron Kramer, 61; and Robert Souter, 39.
Water and sewer concerns along the lakeshore monopolized most of the two-hour debate. Leadership abilities and the proposed development at the former Lakewood Camp were also debated.
Hessels opposed the water and sewer pipeline and said if the region "wants to implement something they should foot the bill.
"
On the same issue, Kramer said the main problem is the regional health department and the provincial health department because they have let systems get out of hand.
"There are how many bad houses?" he asked. "They should be found; and if it's only $30,000 per house, it's less than $60 million," Kramer said.
Main stressed the need for an affordable solution.
"Dr. (Robin) Williams (the region's medical officer of health) needs to get off her healthy duff and get involved in finding affordable solutions," Main said.
Souter said the township can't afford the proposed project and should look at other options on a case-by-case evaluation.
Warkentin said he is concerned with the cost of the proposed pipeline and if people have to move due to that cost.
Canby provided a different solution to solving the water and sewer problem.
"Clean up your own property," he said. "Other ways around it is a Zenon systems for 20 to 50 places at the reasonable price of $20,000. It will work and is workable."
Canby also highlighted the tertiary system which "can clean up problem houses for $20,000 per house."
Hales said he is also against the water and sewer problems.
"Big water mains and sewer lines are too expensive for individuals and lot owners and that's that."
Gritter said individuals should look after their own properties and that "the region is disconnected and bloated."
Warkentin and Main described their previous experience on council and touched on their accomplishments.
Main said being an alderman for the last three terms has been a full-time commitment, not a part-time job which has earned him vast experience, awareness and knowledge. His three issues are finances, the water and sewage problem and development.
Hales said he decided to run for council because "in the last four years I've been disappointed with the transparency of council."
He said residents were not kept informed with the water and sewer problems unless they went to council meetings.
Warkentin said he would like to continue contributing to future development in the township and would like to enlarge hamlets, maintain Wainfleet's rural identity, improve secondary roads and recruit a full- or part-time doctor.
Candidates were asked about the planned development at the former Lakewood Easter Seals Camp, on Lakeshore Road.
Hessels said although the development had to be done, he is concerned with the roadways and the area being serviced by fire and emergency services.
Kramer said the area doesn't need high-density development and each household should have larger properties.
Canby said the township will be the winner since the development would increase the tax base.
"The development is good because it will increase the tax base which means more money for minor sports and fire services which are failing now," Souter said.
"We need to allow volunteer spirit to thrive and need to attract people because people are attracted by those who love where they are," Gritter said in closing.
THE CANDIDATES
EUGENE CANBY
Age: 77
Occupation: retired professional engineer
Political experience/
Community involvement: School board member many years ago
My top three issues are:
1. Water and sewer
2. Spending by the municipality should be better scrutinized, for example, road projects.
3. We have to separate needs from the so-called wish list. Do we need it, or do we just want it?
How I intend to achieve my goals: I'm going to listen to what people want, I promise to try to understand them, You can't appreciate a man's position unless you've walked a mile in their moccasins; I want to know what is the burr under a person's saddle? I've lived long enough to be a good listener.
Address: 25L73 Lakeshore Rd.,
Long Beach,
RR2 Wainfleet
Phone: 905-899-1195
RON KRAMER
Age: 61
Occupation: self employed
Political experience/
Community involvement: Amateur Radio Emergency Service operator, member and various executive positions with Amateur Radio Clubs.
My top three issues are:
1. Water & Sewer for lakeshore area
2. Proposed new quarry
3. The changes to Township Hall and the removal of the Township Hall as a community centre.
How I intend to achieve my goals:
1. I would propose that the owners of the defective systems be identified and required to upgrade to modern systems.
2. I would oppose the new quarry due to its effect on the wetlands, wells, and homes and the increased traffic.
3. Regarding the Township hall there is nothing that can be done because it is already a done deal. I would make a proposal to council that tenders be advertised for all future work to be done within the Township.
Address: 10842 Rathfon Rd,
L8 C1, Wainfleet
Mailing address: RR2, Port Colborne L3K 5V4
Phone: 905-834-4341
Email: ron@rkramer.ca
Website: www.rkramer.ca
EUGENE GRITTER
Age: 37
Occupation: Nursery Grower/Farmer
Political experience/
Community involvement: Niagara Regional Agricultural Economic Impact Study, federal and provincial EDA executive experience, church deacon.
My top three issues are:
1. Principled leadership is always the only issue; the self-sacrificing example of true leaders will build a community of mutual respect.
2. A conservative approach which values individual responsibility and private property rights should form the framework for resolving water and sewer issues (and others).
3. Lowering taxes (not slowing the increases) is achievable by managing expectations and sharing costs through controlled growth.
How I intend to achieve my goals: Through prayer and hard work, I would challenge both myself and my colleagues on council to scrutinize our own motives in adopting a position or action. Are we motivated by self-interest, pandering, or by what's right for Wainfleet?
Address: 51383 Hewitt Rd.,
Wainfleet
Phone: 905-899-4708
Email: eugene@gritter.ca
Website: gritter.ca
EVAN MAIN
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired, former school teacher
Political experience/
Community Involvement: Served: nine years as alderman for Wainfleet Township, library board, administrative chair, Niagara Central Airport Commission, doctor recruitment representative, health and wellness representative, Marshville Festival volunteer, steering committee on development in Lambert Road area
My top three issues are:
1. Fiscal responsibility to Wainfleet residents
2. Sewer and water problems along our lakeshore
3. Protection of our agricultural land and environment
How I intend to achieve my goals:
1. Listen to the financial concerns of our Wainfleet residents, prioritizing needs, find alternative ways to maintain sewers, set long range goals as well as short term goal regarding spending.
2. My position has not changed in regards to this problem, from the start I agreed it needs a solution but not one that puts homeowners in a precarious situation.
3. Upgrade our official plan to allow development in selected and appropriate areas of Wainfleet according to Provincial initiatives and legislation.
Address: Regional Road #2
Wainfleet
Phone: 905-899-1250
E-mail: emain@vaxxine.com
ROBBIE HALES
Age: 57
Occupation: Advocacy - Hales & Associates
Political experience/
Community involvement: none
My top three issues are
1. Water & Sewer along Lakeshore
2. Ensure we do not interfere with the rights of farmers and to assist business growth
3. Local Municipal Taxes
How I intend to achieve my goals:
To assist in researching any bylaw thoroughly before approving it and give the issues due and thoughtfully process for during and first and second readings. Ensure that all grants from the province are looking into and that all grants are applied for.
Address: 15B7 Burnaby Rd,
R.R. 2 Burnaby
Wainfleet
Phone: 905-899-0000
Email: hales@interpc.ca
ROBERT SOUTER
Age: 39
Occupation:Truck Driver/Equipment operator.
Political Experience/ Community Involvement:
Demonstrator at Marshville Heritage Festival. Canvassing for Heart and Stroke in 2007. Involved in the executive committee for Wainfleet Slo-pitch. Volunteer on the Hip Hip Horray Committee to raise money for the Niagara Health System to purchase surgical equipment.
My top issues are:
1. Water and Sewage
- This is definitely a major concern in Wainfleet and has been for years. It is only recently that solutions to eradicate the problem have surfaced. I believe that we need to look at alternatives to the big pipe. Such as, the implementation of a holding tank or a lagoon system. I do not feel that all other possibilities have been seriously considered to date.
2. Rural Development
- I believe that there are many suitable pieces of property for rural development that could easily co-exist with the agricultural sector. The possible expansion of the Hamlet areas in Wainfleet, as well as the creation of new Hamlets in suitable areas would increase development so that future generations could return to Wainfleet. This would also create more revenue for the Township of Wainfleet.
How I intend to achieve my goals: I believe that the citizens of Wainfleet deserve to have a say in how their tax dollars are spent. Good communication within the council and with the citizens of Wainfleet is imperative to achieving a strong working relationship. I feel that by being there to listen a lot can be gained that can prove to be beneficial. There are many people who have logical ideas to improve the problems that Wainfleet is currently facing with the water and sewer problem. They just need someone who will listen. If elected as Alderman for the Township of Wainfleet I intend to be a strong representative so that all taxpayers have a say.
Address: 74821 Regional Road #45,
Wainfleet
Phone: 905-386-0668
Fax: 905-386-1117
TED HESSELS
Age: 45
Occupation: dairy and crop farmer and sales representative
Political experience/
Community involvement: This is my first experience running for a political office. Since 1985 I have been a volunteer firefighter in Wainfleet,and I am involved in Minor Hockey, (was a member of the executive, a trainer, and currently coach ). I am a member of the Ontario Farm Federation (OFA)
My top three issues are:
1. Water and sewer: we need to look at all options
2.Development: location, rate of growth and impact on environment, emergency services, farming, roads and rural living.
3. Fire and emergency services
How I intend to achieve my goals:
I will get involved, be informed and stand up for what is right for Wainfleet. I am concerned with the growth and development of how Wainfleet will progress. I have an interest in the environmental impact of decisions made in our township. I have completed my own environmental farm plan and the knowledge I gained can be advantageous for all of Wainfleet.
Address: 73272 Robertson Rd.
Phone: 905-386-6580
Email: tedyvon@iaw.on.ca
RUDY WARKENTIN
Age: 69
Occupation: retired teacher
Political experience/
Community Involvement: One term as alderman, six years on Niagara South Board of Education, several committees both regional and municipal, community involvement, volunteer at-Marshville Heritage Festival, educational programs at Marshville Heritage Village Wainfleet Agricultural Fair
My top three issues are: investigate and develop alternative solutions to the water and sewage problem. Health Care-improved ambulance response time-specialized municipal transit for those who need medical assistance. Shared services with neighbouring municipalities in order to save tax dollars. At present we have only discussed one possible solution to the water and sewage problem along the lakeshore. I believe we need to look at other solutions to see if they are able to facilitate the problem at a much less cost to the homeowner. Since Wainfleet covers such a large area it is imperative that we join forces with neighbouring municipalities in relation to Ambulance response time as well as fire emergency services. I feel that this is wise financial planning which will result in improved service at a much lower cost to our municipality.
Address: 30W12 Perry Road,
Wainfleet
Phone: 905-899-1358
Email: rwrkntin@vaxxine.com
DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD OF NIAGARA LIZ FULFORD
acclaimed
MARK TAYTI Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Mayor Gord Harry's dance card was full Tuesday night when he went round-for round with three mayoral candidates hoping to take his job on Nov. 13.
Solving the water and sewer dilemma along the lakeshore was the main theme of the two-hour debate that included eight candidates vying for the aldermen's seats.
The drama unfolded before a standing-room-only crowd that drew about 250 people to the fire hall to hear what their prospective town leaders had to say on the issues that will most affect taxpayers over the next four years.
The political debate was sponsored by Port Colborne-Wainfleet Chamber of Commerce and was the last in a three-night series that began in Port Colborne last month.
Panelists for the last debate were Tribune managing editor George Duma and chamber members Paul Moore and Jody Edward.
Harry was bombarded by mayoral candidates who did not share his opinion that sewer and water problems can be solved by pushing pipes from Wainfleet to Port Colborne to correct current health concerns. Al Guiler, a former clerk and senior municipal employee for Wainfleet, compared the region to Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, saying that he disagrees with its position that "Father knows all, father knows best ... and pay the bill whatever the cost."
Randy Cheynowski, a 35-year-old, self-employed businessman in Wainfleet, criticized the region for its "total disregard in spending," citing the cost overruns at the new regional headquarters as a prime example.
He said the Township of Wainfleet is also "a victim of reckless management" where the sewer and water issue is concerned.
Barb Henderson, who served as an alderman on Harry's council last term, said the residents of Wainfleet have to "stop fighting among themselves.
"
She said the township - with an annual budget of $3.5 million - cannot afford to fix its own water problems.
"We need a 21st-century solution," Henderson said. "I'm not buying into a pipeline that is viewed as the only solution."
Henderson said the next council will have to wrestle with trying to find a balance between the township's economic and social needs.
Harry said delaying the water and sewer solution will only end up costing residents more.
"Make no mistake," he said. "A solution is coming. My commitment is to make sure it is affordable to all."
Harry said he offers voters "a proven track record" based on hard work and dedication.
"It beats charm and empty promises every time," he said. "As mayor and with the support of a well-balanced council, I have proven that I can make decisions and provide effective direction as an elected head. This is not always easy or popular - but if the job was about doing what is easy and popular and not facing difficult challenges, then you don't really need a leader at all."
Most of the mayoral candidates agreed that development at the former Lakewood Camp for Crippled Children is a good thing.
Guiler said he wanted to get all the facts before deciding one way or the other.
Harry said that "nobody in this room tried harder to purchase the property," but the bid submitted by Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority with backing by the region was too low.
"I don't think we can stop it," Harry said of the proposed townhouse and condominium project.
"If the big pipe does come through, they will have to hook up to it."
Henderson said she would have preferred to see the former camp as park land. She said the developer who owns the land appears willing to work with the community.
Cheynowski applauded the efforts of the developer but said it is up to the township to decide what the final housing development will look like.
"As far as the usage of Lakewood, I applaud the developer for sticking his neck on the line."
When asked about leadership and vision, Harry said there have been some tough choices to make in the previous term.
He said decisions were made as a team, unanimously.
Harry said he has also fostered a good working relationship at the region - one he does not want to see the township lose.
Henderson said she has a "vision of a green Wainfleet," saying that means not only green pastures of farmland but also an environmentally-friendly community that takes advantage of such things as wind power and solar power.
Cheynowski said he loves challenges and problem-solving.
"My vision for Wainfleet is to give people a little more faith in their system of government."
Guiler said he wanted to serve as mayor to give back to the community.
"We have a vastly diverse group in Wainfleet and we need to be cognizant of each other and live together. I believe we can accommodate everyone in the township."
Henderson does not support the water and sewer proposal in its current form.
"There are other alternatives," she said. "I'm looking for something more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective."
Cheynowski was also opposed to the big pipe solution.
"I am not in favour of the system proposed by the region," he said, adding the current plan will run into unforeseen costs because of the nature of the rock.
Guiler proposed a plan that would have residents clean up their own individual water and sewer problems.
"If septic tanks are not working they need to be fixed," he said.
Guiler said there needs to be better enforcement when septic systems fail.
Harry supports the current plan but said he will continue to fight at the region to ensure it is affordable.
"It's got to be affordable, I stress that every time I go to the region. Yes. I am for it because we have an environmental issue along the lakeshore.
In his closing remarks, Harry said "desire is not enough" when it comes to being mayor at this "critical time" in the township's history.
"Proven experience is what counts," he said.
Henderson said she brings an "ability to listen" and to communicate with others "as equals."
"Now is the time to continue to work towards a Wainfleet we want for tomorrow," she said. "Don't get caught up in the past."
Guiler said the candidates have travelled around the community over the past several weeks talking about what they plan to do if elected as mayor.
"Review the facts and choose wisely," the former bureaucrat said. "I encourage you to get out and vote."
Cheynowski said that his age should not be a limiting factor in the race for mayor.
"Don't look at me as the youngest one up here," he said. "I'm an experienced taxpayer. I can tell you that."
Cheynowski said he shares the same values as people in the community.
"I'm here to save you money in any way possible."
They are listening and know we aren't going away!
Here's hoping for some changes to the problems .
