*WHIBYFREEPRFSSWEDTEPDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1988, PAGE 7 PAGE SEVEN DOWN TO THE WIRE What leads people to seek political office, especially municipal office where each candidate is on his own? Certainly ego is a large part of it, but most, if not all, have a genuine sense that they can accomplish something that others cannot. In the interviews that we've done of the council candidates, we repeatedly found ourselves asking questions which the candidates had never considered before. Nevertheless, all were quite confident they could handle anything that came their way. Their simplistic understanding of the municipal machinery was ap times unnerving. The paradox of offering increased services and yet freezing or even lowering taxes rarely fazed them, and after nearly twenty hours interviewing them, I conclude that most really believed they could do it. Not surprisingly, this election has focused on the mayor- alty race. But whoever wins that one, he will have to work in a council which can outmuscle him 7 votes to 1. The comments below are my own opinions. They are based on the interviews, the candidates' past involvement and how well their positions seem to fit the current political mood. East Ward The most interesting race by far is in Joe Drumm's old ward with almost half the population of Whitby. There are five candidates any one of whom would have been a star on the last council. They are all among the most intelligent and best informed candidates at any level (right up to mayor) in any ward and all have a good grasp on the issues. It is a shame that council did not split the East ward in two so that at least two of them could be elected. Based on past performance, I have to give a very slight edge to Dennis Fox who has run twice before. He stuck with the issues through the years and has a track record of working with the residents through thick and thin. Centre Ward The six candidates here are not so evenly matched as in the 'hast ward. Some have had local business experience, others are long time residents, but few were able to field the range of questions we put to them. As with the east ward I am inclined to go with proven experience and give the edge to Lynda Buffett. She has remained an active participant in local issues in the eight years since she first ran in 1980. West Ward Joe Bugelli was acclaimed in the last two elections and so has not had to run since 1980. He would like to think that it was because he was doing such a good job but I know some of his constituents who would differ. He has the same laissez- faire attitude to development as Attersley. Dave Wall has been watching city hall for a couple of years, and has a good grasp of the issues. From here, he seems more likely to give the west ward the representation it wants. North Ward Brian Wick's main platform is that he will represent the people of the north ward, and Brooklin in particular, better than Ross Batten. Since I don't live there I can't comment on whether Ross has done a good job or n'ot. Apart from that I don't see a lot of difference between them on policy. Regional Council Queen's Park increased Whitby's representation on region- al council to three shortly before the last election, but Whitby decided to stick with only two for the full term. Now three years and another 10,000 people later we are finally getting the representation we were supposed to have had then. That, plus Emm's decision to run for mayor, created two vacancies. Councillors Brunelle and Drumm moved up and it looked up to the last minute as though they would be acclaimed. Edie Gomille spoiled that. Of the four candidates, only one in my opinion has really proven himself worthy of the position - Brunelle. Those who remember the pitched battle I waged with him over Lynde House will be surprised, but, in spite of our differences, he has a excellent grasp of the mechanics of government and will be a good representative at region. If longevity was the only qualification a politician needed, then Edwards and Drumm would be shoe-ins as well, but neither particularly impresses me. Edwards, who lives only half a block from me, has managed to evade any in-depth discussion of issues with me for nearly ten years. Both he and Drumm are part of the "old guard." For her part, Edie Gomille is totally inexperienced ...and learning fast. When she filed ber nominatiori papers, sbe had little idea what she bad got herself into, but a week later wben we interviewed ber, sbe had acquired a grasp of the issues wbich made other candidates look pretty bad. This election is tbe most important in Wbitby in the last twenty years. The future of our community - its physical appearance and its quality of life - are on the line. The comments above are only my personal opinions. The real choice - the only one tbat gets counted - is yours. REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE AT THE FOUR CORNERS, NOVEMBER 11, Veterans of the First and Second World Wars are seen marching past the old post located where the Bank of Montreal is now. It was demolished in 1959. The marchpast at the Cenotaph where wreaths were laid in memory of Whitby's war dead. 1947 office, ended Whitby Archives photo 10 YEARS AGO from the Wednesday, November 8, 1978 edition of the WHITBY FREE PRESS • Three levels of government were represented at the opening of the Athol-Green Co-op Housing development last week. • Downtown Whitby is the biggest issue at the Centre Ward election forum. • Heard's Taxi, in business since 1910, has been sold by Bud Heard to James Caskey of Circle Taxi. 25 YEARS AGO from the Thursday, November 7, 1963 edition of the WHITBY WEEKLY NEWS • Town Council has appointed a special committee to seek provincial help in bringing industrial development to Whitby. • After being defeated by objections four years ago, the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority is attempting to purchase land for a conservation area near Brooklin. • A committee suggests seeking a professional study on the proposed amalgamation of Whitby Town and Township. • Folk singing is popular with the Henry Street High School Glee Club. 100 YEARS AGO from the Friday, November 9, 1888 edition of the WHITBY CHRONICLE • The demand for houses in Whitby is exceeding the supply. Those available rent for $7 to $10 a month. • A fire in the Mechanic's Institute library was discovered before much damage was done. It was started by an oil lamp. • Police Chief Hugh McBrien says all cows in town must be confined to their owners' property after Nov. 14. • The Chronicle reports there is only one vacant store in downtown Whitby. ri