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PORT PERRY "WEEKEND STAR" _---- RE TE ET TREN TIS ITN TOT TN SNe FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2000 - § SEEN. -- == Transition board doesn't have authority to make change Much-maligned name will remain, lawyer says By Clifford Eige Weekend Star The much-criticized name of the newly-formed City of Kawartha Lakes will remain, the Victoria County transition board has decided. Provincially-appointed commissioner Harry Kitchen, who came up with plans for a new, one-tier system of government for Victoria County, selected the new name. It has attracted considerable criticism among residents and neighbouring com- munities. Peterborough Mayor Sylvia Sutherland requested Municipal Affairs minister Tony Clements to change the name. That city uses the term "Kawartha" heavily in promoting tourism. But the minister replied that he had no authority under the Municipal Act to change the name. Resident John Panter requested the transition board consider a plebiscite for the fall election, allowing Victoria County residents to express their opinion in a democratic manner regarding the name of the new municipality. But the legal adviser for the transition board, George Rust-D'Eye of Weir and Foulds, said the board does not have the power to change the name, or authorize a plebiscite question on any issue for the upcoming municipal election. Board chairman Len Thornbury said, "this is a dead issue for us now." But he did say the council to be elected in November will have the authority to make a decision on any name change, next year. Mr. Panter says that the cost for setting up the new city name by January 2001 makes it very unlikely that the new coun- cil will want to incur any additional cost to change tne name. And any chance of a plebiscite will be three years away when the final criteria ir Provincial Bill 62 will be known on this issue. New CAO takes charge Meanwhile, the transition board has gone from spinning its wheels to first gear, thanks to the hiring of CAO Hugh Thomas. Sixteen task forces have been set up from 150 volunteers, who include munici- pal employees and interested residents. Each task force has six to 12 members that include one CAO or clerk from one of the county municipalities. Task force recommendations are to be made by a consensus of opinion, but if 25 per cent of the committee members are in disagreement they are allowed to act unilaterally, according to the commission- er's guidelines. CAO Hugh Thomas said that the task forces will look at all aspects of service delivery in the current municipal areas and develop methods for providing these services by the new one tier city. These task force committees will be key to a smooth transition from the cur- rent two tier system to one tier, said Mr. Thomas. All task force recommendations will require final approval of the transition board including any disagreement among committee members. To date 19 candidates in 16 wards have submitted their names for the November municipal elections of the new city. 450 Slot Machines 450 Storrs « Biack NOW PLAYING Great Blue Heron Charity Casino Port Perry, Ontario 1.888:29-HERON www .greathlueheroncasino.com k * Bout ACK * Surtr 71'S BLackiaf ee Ler Riot fast East of Port Parry, off Bwy. 7A at island Rd. Licence #0000008 Baagwating Community Asta. Must bs 19 years of age or older. Woo hoo! * Pai Gow * Hoto'em Poxer * Bic Six