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Hanna reams out press over beach clean-up story
By Liz Dadson

Huron-Kinloss council

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Huron-Kinloss councillor Jim Hanna had some harsh words for the local media last night (Sept. 19) at the township council meeting.

He was upset that the township had received a letter from Don and Mary Fischer, putting Hanna in a poor light, regarding council's decision to consider purchasing an algae harvester to clean the Lake Huron beaches in Huron-Kinloss.

In their letter, the Fischers state they are pleased that the mayor feels strongly about regular beach algae clean-up, but they "were equally disappointed with Jim Hanna's negative comment. It is extremely important that the beach remains clean not only for us but for the people visiting our beaches. Please keep up the good work with the regular beach clean-up."

Turning to the press table, Hanna demanded, "What did you guys write?

"I take offence to this letter," he said. "I was in full support of beach clean-up.

Again turning to the press table, he said, "I'm not sure what you wrote, but you might want to try a balanced approach," and he flung a piece of paper at the press, stating his E-mail message sent to the Fischers.

His E-mail states:

"I'm not sure what you read but I'll give you my full opinion, instead of one scripted by a reporter.

  • "The township is under no obligation to clean the beach; that said, the lakeshore is our township's greatest asset.
  • "The largest population and tax base for our township lives or has property west of Highway 21 and has a right to enjoy their property.
  • "I fully endorsed our current program of beach clean-up and will support its ongoing implementation.
  • "I will fully endorse additional beach clean-up work, provided we do not cut infrastructure programs, which may result in a tax increase.
  • "I am willing to have daily beach clean-up, if necessary, understanding this cannot take funding away from critical infrastructure maintenance.

"I encourage you to use your right to vote and to hold elected officials accountable."

 
His final comment was directed at a further E-mail message, sent to him, personally, from Don Fischer which stated that Hanna had lost the Fischers future vote due to his negative comments on beach clean-up. "The beach should be clean, not only for us, but for the tourists that come here," stated the E-mail message.

In the original story from the Sept. 7 general committee, the Kincardine Times reported Hanna in favour of the algae harvester and regular beach clean-up, with the following quotes:

"I'm all for it too," said councillor Jim Hanna, "but if we do it, we have to raise the tax money for it. Otherwise, something else will suffer."

"We need to have it running five days per week or six or seven days," said Hanna. "It's what the people want, so fine, let's do it, but remember there is a cost for this service."

"I just don't want to have to drop road and bridge projects to pay for this," said Hanna.

To read the entire story, check the "Huron-Kinloss" page on the Kincardine Times.


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Monday, September 19, 2011