We deserve better

This editorial appeared in May 24th edition of the Orono Weekly Times and is worthy of your consideration. The Orono Times is well worth the $35.00 yearly subscription (for 48 issues) and is a truly "independent" publication. It's not available on-line, so no matter where you live in Clarington, consider a subscription. It's well worth it. email oronotimes@rogers.com or phone/fax 905-983-5301.

We deserve better

This year's upcoming municipal election has already sparked more interest than the previous municipal election in 2003.

As of Tuesday morning 17 candidates had filed their nomination papers with the Municipal Clerk. That's three more than filed for the last election, and there are more than six months before election day, November 13th. One gets the sense that the electorate feel that it is time for a clean sweep. The present council, except for Councillor Adrian Foster of Ward 1- Courtice, are finishing their second three year term in their respective offices. There were three councillors acclaimed last time, and while there are still three unchallenged councillors, it is still early in the process. There should never be acclamations in a democracy, so it's heartening to see so many residents putting up their names as candidates this time around. Thus far the Regional seat for Ward 1 and 2 has four candidates. This is the seat currently held by Jim Schell, who has declared that he will not seek re-election. Running for this seat are current Ward 2 Local councillor, Don MacArthur, Suzanne Elston and George Van Dyk who are both former Clarington Public Utilities Commissioners, and Keven McAlpine, retired Durham Regional Police Chief.

Five candidates have filed to run in the seat to be vacated by Local Ward 2 councillor, as he seeks to get elected in Jim Schell's place. Running for that Bowmanville seat are Blair Smyth a relatively new Clarington resident, who is facing retirement and wants to give back to his community. Colin Argyle who ran as an NDP candidate in the last provincial election, and ran for Public School Board Trustee in the last municipal election. Steve Rowland is a paramedic manager who likes the town, is pleased with what the past council has accomplished. Ron Hooper, long time business owner in Bowmanville, and current president of the Bowmanville Business Improvement Association filed his nomination papers last Friday, and John Sturdy, another life-long Bowmanville resident who thinks people need a politician who will listen to them, filed his papers yesterday.

Three candidates have already indicated their intention to run for the Ward 3, Local Councillor seat, currently held by Pat Pingle. Though Pingle said earlier that she was seeking re-election, it is doubtful whether she will run. Running in that ward are David Duffie, a retired Bowmanville resident who says he has the time to serve his community, Kevin Anyan a life-long Bowmanville residents, former restaurant owner, and current food caterer, and Willie Woo of Newcastle, who ran against Councillor Charlie Trim in the 2000 election.

There are still two candidates seeking the Mayor's position, our current Mayor is being challenged by Jim Abernethy, who also wants to serve the community.

The province has just extended the next term of municipal council, so those elected in November will hold office for four years, rather than three, the previous term for municipal council.

This council certainly have made their jobs more lucrative.

One of the first pieces of business this council attended to once they were elected, for this term was to increase their salaries; increasing the Mayor' s salary by 18 percent in one year alone. Prior to this council being elected in 2000, the total pay package for the mayor was $79,000. Last year the Mayor took home a total of $164,000. Being elected mayor of Clarington for the next four years term has become a $650,000 proposition. That is until they pass their next pay hike.

The average pay for local councillors prior to 2000 was $17,000. Last year Clarington's four local councillors were paid $35,000, with the two regional councillors taking home $85,000 depending on what committees they sit on. Regional Councillors prior to 2000 were paid $46,000.

It takes courage to run any campaign, and those who put their name forward for a political campaign deserve our respect. Get to know your candidates, find out why they want to represent you, and what vision they have for the next four years, and beyond.

It is said: "you get the politicians you deserve," and we deserve better than what we've had.

The last opportunity to file nomination papers for November's election is 5 p.m. on September 29.