Wednesday, October 11, 2006 · Page 5 Question of the Week In your opinion, should elected officials and town employees have credit card privileges? Why or why not? "It depends on what their limit is, and if it's a justifiable expense. At my job, I have a credit card, but I can't exceed $500." Janet T., Woodslee "No. I don't think it's right. It's the taxpayers' money." Elaine Maedel, Essex "Privileges, no. Responsibilities, yes. All municipal purchases are done in accordance with approved purchasing policies and budgets. The use of a credit card does not change that. By using cards rather than cheques for small purchases, we avoid issuing hundreds of cheques each year, resulting in the savings of thousands of dollars in processing costs. This is just one of many efficiencies implemented by our Finance department in recent years." Wayne Miller, CAO, Town of Essex "When used in the context of "credit card privileges", the word "privileges", by definition, means "a right, advantage, or favour". Purchasing is one of many job requirements of Town managers. The provision of a credit card for the purposes of carrying out a job requirement is not a "right" and provides no personal "advantage" or "favour". Corporate credit cards do allow managers to perform their purchasing function more efficiently and at less cost to the taxpayer." Donna E. Hunter, Treasurer, Town of Essex LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Lakeshore needs new leadership The municipal elections are in the air. In my municipality of Lakeshore, we are in dire need of new leadership. In the mayor's race, we have a few new names and I am thankful for that. For the deputy mayor race, we have two people running but only one real choice. In both the mayor and deputy mayor race, we have two long-serving incumbents whose contributions have been severely lacking, even non-existent. The current mayor has resigned and I am grateful for that. Unfortunately these other two want to force another four years of ineffectiveness upon us. Those who have followed the happenings at Lakeshore over the last few years will tell you that we are in a mess. The office is overrun by staff. Policies, by-laws and provincial legislation are not being followed. A hiring policy was supposed to be adopted but wasn't. There is nepotism. Residents who question matters are criticized and made to pay hundreds of dollars for information. Do the residents of Lakeshore want more of this? It will only get worse unless changes are made. We need strong leadership to take a stand and take control of the municipality back. It is all up to the electorate to make this happen. In the mayor's race, my vote will go to either David Tremblay or Len Janisse and will depend on their convincing me that they will take a stand and stop this garbage. For the deputy mayor race, my support goes to the new runner, Melinda Strba. I have read her material and she is promising the change we need. These are your only real choices. It's time to take back control. S.M. Rehmann Lakeshore Dangers of wind turbines considered CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 "We will get a disruption of geese migration and a loss of about $30 to $40 million in revenue to this area," Lee said. "The loss of property value based on the European experience is $1.75 billion." Ernest Marshall, a resident near Goderich, Ont., told the panel about his experience living 350 metres from five turbines. He said his ponies went wild and he's suffered seizures because of the turbines. "These things squeal when they rotate to the extent that it's ear boggling," Marshall said. "I live three miles from the airport and I don't hear the planes there, but I hear the turbines." Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos said he was happy with the turnout at the meet- Next week's question: What do you think could be done to attract businesses to locate in downtown Essex? To respond to next week's question CALL DAN at 519-776-4268, ext. 13 to leave your response. You must provide your name and phone number. You can also drop us an email at essexfreepress@on.aibn.com or FAX us at 519-776-4014. Please be brief 25 to 40 words. Deadline for responses: Monday at 9 a.m. ing. He said he would be willing to discuss other offers from wind-generated power companies. "Oh, absolutely," Santos said. "I think many residents are in favour of it and I don't hear them saying they're against clean or green energy. If the right location can be found with minimal impact on the community given our economy and values, we'll consider it." 68 Talbot St. N., Essex, Ontario N8M 1A2 · Phone 776-7541 HOURS: Mon., Tues., Wed. 8-6; Thurs., Fri. 8-8; Sat. 8-6; Closed Sun. PORK LEG ROAST SCHNITZEL 1/2 $ Price Extra Lean Breaded Pork Cutlets Lightly Seasoned /LB. Fresh Ontario Pork Quality Service and Value Since 1962 MEAT MARKET LTD. A Member of THE BECKER ENGINEERING GROUP 1/2 $ Price Frozen Boneless Fillets Lake Erie Yellow OCT. 12 - OCT. 18 THE COUNTY OF ESSEX CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NORTH CEDAR CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT NOTICE OF COMPLETION The County of Essex is proposing to replace and raise the deteriorated bridge structure crossing the north branch of the Cedar Creek along County Road 23. The bridge and associated road works are planned to be completed by late 2007. The above project is being planned under Schedule B of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. Subject to comments received as a result of this Notice, and the receipt of necessary approvals, the County of Essex intends to proceed with the design and construction of this project. The project plans and other information are available at the following locations: Engineering Department County of Essex 360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite #201 Essex, Ontario N8M 1Y6 Tel: 1-519-776-6441 ext. 316 Fax: 1-519-776-4455 HRYCAY Consulting Engineers Inc. 1725 North Talbot Road Windsor, Ontario N9A 6J3 1-519-737-7234 1-519-737-7796 1 $ $ 85 SUPER PRICE Made Fresh in Stor e WOW!! $ PERCH Specials ies Last Only Reg $3.69/lb. 8 1 99 /LB. Marinated · 160g PORK 1 KABOBS 2 SAUSAGE WINGS Made Fresh In Sto re · Deli Sliced 25 /LB. TURKEY Frozen While Suppl MILD ITALIAN $ 2 59 /LB. Interested persons should provide written comment to the County of Essex on the proposal within 30 calendar days from the date of this Notice. Comment should be directed to the County Engineer. If concerns arise regarding this project, which cannot be resolved in discussion with the County of Essex, a person or party may request that the Minister of the Environment make an order for the project to comply with Part II of theEnvironmental Assessment Act, which addresses individual environment assessments. Requests must be received by the Minister at the address below within 30 calendar days of this Notice. A copy of the request must also be sent to the County Engineer. If there is no "request" received by November 6, 2006, the bridge replacement will proceed to design and construction as presented in the planning documentation. Minister of the Environment 135 St. Clair Avenue 12th Floor, Toronto, Ont. M4V 1P5 This Noticed Issued 7 October 2006 Tom Bateman, P.Eng. County Engineer $ 29 /LB. Reg $4.49/lb. BIER SALAMI $3 99 79 79 /EACH WHOLE OR HALF HAMS WWW.SCHINKELS.COM ALFREDO $1 99 /LB. Pasta & Sauce /LB.