Letters: September 9

Re: “Forest Farm – A Naturalist’s Paradise”, Paul Bettez

Parham Fair Tops Attendance Records, Debra Smith

Re: Arden Gets a Bone

Patrick Maloney is back on his high horse; this time about Arden and its municipal representatives (Arden Gets a Bone, Letters, Sept 02/10).

Let us deal with facts rather than opinion. First, there has been little to no infrastructure work done in the Hamlet of Arden for many, many years, running through the terms of several councils and councillors. I was the one who led the fight for infrastructure renewal in Council budget discussions in 2009 and again in 2010, and was the one who took the initiative to have a local citizens’ group convene to discuss the issue and appear before Council. This group included three spokespersons, one of whom was Mr. Maloney.

The roughly $280,000 currently being spent on the roads and sidewalks of Bridge and Queen Sts. in Arden is a significant capital expenditure and is a substantial piece of work, including the removal of underlying bedrock. This is stage one and the Public Works Manager has provided Council with a further two stage work program to deal with the remaining areas of Arden Rd., Elm Tree Road and Anne St. inside the hamlet. This could cost upwards of one third to half a million dollars and of course will be subject to future Council approval. It is the hope that these municipal expenditures will lead to a renewed business interest in the Arden area and general improvement of the hamlet.

Mr. Maloney in his letter bemoans money being spent elsewhere in Kennebec to deal with priorities identified by other taxpayers in the area. The Westgate Rd. leading to the hill on Elm Tree Rd. has long been a problem area for the numerous citizens and tourists who use it throughout the year and requires excessive maintenance by Public Works. I encouraged its hard topping for these reasons and the fact that it is the only road (along with the Arden Rd.), which leads directly into Kennebec from Highway 7 and provides access to Bull and Buck Lakes as well as parts of Elm Tree Rd. and other areas.

While I am not running for re-election, I take pride in my record over the past four years. Some additional issues on which I have taken the lead at Council include:

Keeping municipal tax increases to or below the cost of inflation (any increases due to MPAC assessments are a provincial responsibility).
Adding a second municipal representative to County Council (chosen by Central Frontenac Council) to provide more political oversight to the County and its expanding budget and to better protect the interests of Central Frontenac taxpayers.
-Initiating a septic re-inspection program because in Central Frontenac, The Environment Is Our Economy.
Becoming a member of PARC and informing and pushing Council to actively oppose the closing of Land O' Lakes Elementary School.
Constructing a new septic system and roof for the Kennebec Community Centre.
Serving as Council representative on the Boards of the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance, K and P Trail Committee and Quinte Conservation Authority.

If Mr. Maloney is so dissatisfied with his municipal representatives, he should come down from his pontification perch and run for office (nominations are open until Sept10/10). We will then see how much support he can garner from his fellow citizens and what he can achieve.

Gary J. Smith, Councillor, Kennebec District

Elphinfest Magic

As the cool air fills with the sounds of music and happy voices, it instantly evokes "Festival Magic" - 10 years, 10 bands and $10 admission. It beckons everyone to the viewing area. Fans of the festival whether young or old enjoy a variety of blues, rock or a heavier style of thrash metal from various bands. The expression on the artists’ faces as they entertain creates the expression of "pleasure" to perform here. Even our own Rick entertained us with a song. The piano playing of Bernie Rivers was super. A plaque and pocket watch was presented to Raul Cirne, who has handled the acoustics for 10 years with his professionalism.

A little rain falls in everyone's life and so it did on the festival for a brief time. The spirit of the crowd was not dampened, as it was offset by the crackling campfire, the spitting of the flickering flames which warmed the atmosphere as the bands continued with their program. As usual, Barbara's restaurant was in full swing with her delicious menu.

You have outdone yourself this year, Rick. We as a community are very fortunate to have one who cares and gives his all.

Jen Robertson

Re: “Forest Farm – A Naturalist’s Paradise”

Re: above article in August 26 edition of The Frontenac News. I find the timing of this article somewhat suspect as we are on the threshold of a municipal campaign. I hope your newspaper intends to do full page stories on all candidates for municipal council in the upcoming issues of F.N.

Paul Bettez

Parham Fair Tops Attendance Records

WOW! Parham Fair tops 3 day attendance records this year! Your attendance at the fair confirms the Parham Fair organizing committee has achieved its goal-to provide great family entertainment at an affordable price. The thousands of smiling faces makes the countless hours of organizing and hard work all worthwhile. It is wonderful to have our efforts appreciated by so many. Many thanks go out to our very small but also very dedicated committee members, our local entertainers, the volunteers (most of whom are family and friends who are there from day break until the late hours of the evening each and every day of the fair), and our sponsors for their support. As our admittance prices only cover about one half of our yearly budget, the fair would not happen without our many sponsors. WE THANK YOU ALL! We look forward to planning and providing a great fair next year. Hope to see you there!

Debra Smith
Entertainment Chair, Parham Fair