Fire Meeting Cancelled, Council Buffoonery To Increase Area Taxes and WFP Ultimatum

North Huron and Morris-Turnberry councils will not meet this Thursday as planned to discuss fire services. This meeting was cancelled by North Huron. It is becoming obvious that it is North Huron’s infantile attitude, combined with zero leadership from Mayor Vincent and Gary Long has resulted in the abandoned fire contract negotiations.

Morris-Turnberry Mayor Paul Gowing is disappointed North Huron cancelled their own meeting.

North Huron’s outright refusal to return to the negotiating table will guarantee that no compromise will be reached. This will result in Morris-Turnberry’s taxes increasing, as well as North Huron’s.

Gary Long complained on the radio that Morris-Turnberry’s Mayor Paul Gowing made comments that were “not respectful towards North Huron and the first rate fire service that we provide for residents as well as our neighbouring residents”. Refusing to negotiate because North Huron council was offended by a comment is childish and pathetic, and will only result in higher taxes.

Council’s shameful, dishonest and petty attitude is the reason Wingham is in the condition we are in. Council and Staff continue to fabricate and deny facts, whether it is regarding the trailer park, amount raised by taxation, or cross border agreements. This is the same council that refused to adopt a “code of conduct” after town staff drafted it, and the same council that tried to eliminate the Public and Press portion of council meetings.

WFP delivered an ultimatum to current CAO Gary Long, and to several councillors. This is being called our “Reality Campaign”. It’s intention is to embarrass council into lowering taxes by comparing our town to surrounding areas. This will include photos of empty stores on Josephine, youth crime rate, the need for police patrols at FE Madill, FE Madill school rank, tax rate, refusal to install fire hydrant delaying construction and jobs, etc. This will be constantly broadcast on WFP.

This campaign will not stop until taxes are lowered or there is a new election. If North Huron refuses to return to the negotiating table with Morris-Turnbery regarding fire services, then the campaign will persist until those responsible resign.