Wind turbines continue to be the hot topic for Lake Huron shoreline residents.
The candidates for Kincardine Mayor had a lengthy debate about the issue on Werdnesday morning on a special edition of Soundingboard on 98 the Beach.
Ron Stephens tells Bayshore Broadcasting News current council has not stepped up and voiced concerns enough over the Green Energy Act.
He says it’s an “absolute abuse” of the rights of every citizen’s rights, and it’s something that needs to be dealt with quickly.
Laura Haight, who is currently Deputy Mayor, agrees that something needs to be done about the Green Energy Act, but says the way to do that is through dialogue.
She says the municipality needs an effective voice to bring the concerns of rural Ontario to the attention of the provincial government.
Incumbent Mayor Larry Kraemer admits that while he was originally supportive of the wind turbine proposals, he feels the municipality has now done it’s part for green energy.
He believes the municipality needs to get in on the ground floor now of natural gas energy, as he believes it’s going to become a very competitive market.
As for the challenges ahead for the municipality, Stephens says council needs to get a reign on spending.
He points to the hospital as an example, saying it’s unaccountable to the public.
Haight’s priorities are to “slow down, and take a breath.”
She says it’s been ten years since amalgamation, and the three original townships are equal as far as services go. She adds she doesn’t see any new capital spending projects in the near future, but now is the time to plan for what is 10 or 15 years down the road.
Kraemer wants to continue efforts to bring higher education to Kincardine, saying it will help grow the small business sector and attract new business to the area.
