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1 2 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville. October 20.1902 Section Two [ Editorial Comment ) It Was a Big Day There's a major event that's missing in this election and in our opinion something should be done to restore it. We arereferring to the Nomination meetings that were always big events in each community. Now, it's different. Any candidates planning to enter the competition, pick up nomination papers, persuade 10 or more of their supporters to sign them and that's it. In earlier days before this new procedure was brought in, the town or township clerk had a blackboard set up, the candidates were nominated at a well attended meeting and each was given an opportunity to speak, if they wished. Mind you, some of the speeches weren't up to much, but the audience also got into the act, asking questions and often lambasting councillors. The meetings also gave incumbents an opportunity to report on their activities over the two year E eriod, which quite frequently rought instant reaction from the crowd. They were exciting. The best thing about such meetings was that they gave would be contenders an opportunity to make their pitch for elector support and also gave each one some free publicity, along with informing the electors about the candidates. Nowadays, electors and candidates start off cold, comparatively speaking. There's no hoopla or excitement connected with handing over nomination papers to the clerk. Nothing much happens until some organization such as the local Chamber of Commerce or a service club sets up an allcandidates allcandidates meeting with a time limit and without audience participation, unless a question and answer session is included. The candidates have to spend at least one week getting their advertising material ready, their lawn signs printed and possibly brochures if they really want to go all out. Then, there are only about two weeks left for their campaign to get rolling. So, it's off to the shopping centres to shake hands and introduce yourself to anybody who will stop and talk, be on the front street all day and attend everything where there maybe a crowd. , The current system not only makes for a dull campaign usually, it really doesn't give a new candidate sufficient time or opportunity to tell voters who he or she is, or why he or she feels competent to do the job. At the municipal level, it's too costly for them to use television or even radio to any great extent, so the newspapers and word of mouth support from friends are their best vehicles. Possibly, that's why apathy appears to prevail quite often, unless of course there is a major issue which so far in this election has not appeared at either the council or board of education level. Maybe one will turn up as time goes on. However, in spite of the abolition of the nomination meeting, there no doubt will be some good, thrilling election battles before Nov. 8th because every position is being contested; there are no acclamations. And the stakes are high, especially at the regional council level. They are even getting better at the local level. Right now many of the candidates are probably wondering what they can be doing to improve their chances against formidable opposition. Everybody wants to win because there's no glory in being a loser. This is when your past can either catch up with you, either destroying your chances or electing you. If you've been prominent over the years, the electors will probably know who you are and some details of your participation in the community, church affairs or service clubs. That can help them recognize you at least, giving you an edge over a comparatively unknown. You can also ask people for their support, but don't be deluded by their answers. You have put them on a spot and they will feel justified in saying "Sure" while having tongue in cheek or their fingers crossed in a white lie. Probably the best advice we can give is to keep working and be yourself. If the people want you as their representative, they'll see you get elected. If they don't we doubt if there's much you can do to change their minds. And don't go overboard, piling up election expenses that you may have to pay off over the next few years. And don't think you are making a great sacrifice in letting your name stand for election. An old senator ' friend had the answer to that one when he told such a sacrificial lamb that he'd better make sure the voters wanted him to make that sacrifice before he took the plunge. That's all the sage advice from this cornér for this week. Good hunting, it's open season for votes. A CORNER FOR POETS GREN McOUAT A FRIEND FOR LIFE A man happened to come by this way For a few short years he did stay. I was invited to Newtonville to meet this man After a few short words our friendship began. We charted a course that would bring us joy To better enhance the life of boy With Gren in charge there never was doubt That everything He did prepared the person to be a better Scout. My friend showed leadership through Trust, Honesty and Integrity. Gren had the strength of a raging river Love and understanding that would never quiver. You always stood tall in every crowd. Giving praise, never seeking any, making us proud. My friend understood in a caring way He always gave you reasons to better you life each day You brought Sunshine on the darkest day Gave of yourself in a dedicated way. The leaders you gave advice and help no matter the strife This all done to better each person's life My friend was unselfish, always considerate of others ahead of himself. If you had the Honor of meeting my friend Consider yourself fortunate as his walk has come to an end If you never had the privilege of meeting Gren Just remember he stood the tallest of any men. It was easy to respect Gren for all he'd done But life won't be easy now that you're gone It's Memories that will not allow me to walk alone. Your Friend Bob Nicholls Qltie Canadian Statesman 6233303 (JcfoA Durham County's G real Family Journal Established 128 years ago In 1854 Also Incorporating t The Bowmanville News The Newcastle Independent The Orono News Second class mall registration number 1561 Produced every Wednesday by THE JAMES PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED 62 66 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 3K9 s 0 JOHN M. JAMES Editor -- Publisher RICHARD A. JAMES Assistant Publisher GEO. P. MORRIS Business Mgr. BRIAN PURDY Advertising Mgr. DONALD BISHOP Plant Mgr. All layouts and composition ol ndverllsomunls produced by the employees ol The Cenedlen Slelesman. Tim Newcastle Independent and The James Publishing Company limited are protected by copyright and must not be reproduced without written permission ol lire publishers. tIS.ODayear-- emontheSB.00 strictly In advance foreign -- $45.00 e year Although every precaution will be taken to avoid error, The Canadian Statesman accepts advertising In Its columns on the understanding that It will not be liable lor any error In lire advertisement published hereunder unless a proof ol such advertisement Is requested In writing by the advertiser and returned to The Canadian Statesman business olllce duly signed by the advertiser and with such error or corrections plainly noted lit writing thereon, and In that case II any error so noted Is not corroded by The Canadian Statesman Ils liability shall not exceed such a portion ol the entire cost ol such advertisement as.the space occupied by Ihe noted error bears to the whole space occupied by such advertisement. Carriage Tour in Quebec City SUGAR and SPICE Spare Me Weddings! If I never go to another wedding in my life, I'll feel that I have accomplished something. That's rather a negative approach, but it's how I feel about weddings. It's not the wedding itself. They are harmless enough affairs, and give some people a chance to weepi as copiously as they do at funerals. It's the getting ready for it. Long before the event, there are lengthy discussions about the wedding gift. In the good old days you could buy the happy couple an electric iron, or à toaster, or a pair of sheets: something running around 25 bucks. Many a lucky couple wound up with four irons, six toasters, four roasting pans, and enough sheets to outfit a small hotel. Not any more. The gift has to have class or glamor. It must be unusual, or striking. When you get into those adjectives, you're looking at $50 for a small ornament to $150 for something bizarre enough so that nobody else will duplicate it. As a result, today's young couples sometimes emerge from the deluge of gifts with enough artsy stuff to set up a store, but without a frying pan, a casserole dish, or sheets and blankets. Art has become more important than utility. The buying of the gift is put off and off, because it's a terrible time of decision-making for the woman of the couple invited to the nuptuals. At last, just before the wedding, there is a desperate foray to the shops, a sinking feeling that there isn't a decent gift in town, and a last- minute snatch at something nobody would give to the Salvation Army. Then there's the problem of what to wear. For the men it's simple put on your best suit, a dean shirt, a conservative tie, and shine your shoes. For the woman, it's agony. What's the weather going to be like? I've seen women freezing to death in summer dresses at a June wedding and sweltering under a fur neckpiece neckpiece at an October wedding. Can I wear this dress? No, So-and- Sos will be there, and they saw me wearing it at the last wedding. But it's almost brand new, and I have the bag and shoes to match perfectly. How about this one? No, it's a year out of style. This one? No, it's too dressy; I don't want to outshine the bride. Now if I just had something to match those ivory shoes and purse, I'd be all set. But the only dress that will go with them has a red splotch on the skirt, where that boor spilled wine on me at the wine and cheese party. Eventually, Momma goes out and buys a new dress to go with the shoes and purse. There goes another hundred bucks, or near enough. When the wedding is out of town, things are even more complicated, and the debate rages on. Will Momma get dressed up at home, and drive a hundred miles to the wedding during which journey her costume becomes wrinkled and shabby-looking, and her make-up steadily deteriorates, until she arrives at the church looking , like "an absolute hag?" Out of the question. Should we get a hotel room near the site of the circus, so she can spend an hour getting ready before the service? Expensive, and hard to get. They're always booked to capacity when you call at the last minute. Besides, father can't stay overnight. He has to be at work in the morning, and doesn't relish getting up at five to drive home, change his. duds, and get into harness. How do we deliver the present? Too late to mail it; can't deliver it to the house because there won't be time. Can't lug it to the church, because sitting at a wedding service with an eight-foot square box is just not done. Just as awkward to take it to the reception. Can't leave it in the car. It might be stolen. By this time husband feels like sending a wire saying we're both down with a small case of leprosy,' and taking an axe to the wedding gift. But the show must go on. Weddings are sacred occasions, and once you've accepted the invitation, it's like joining the Foreign Legion. You can't opt out without dying in your boots. Somehow, things usually get sorted out, and the couple heading for the wedding drive off, the car full .of very bad vibes for some time. The wife has forgotten her earrings, and they have to turn around and drive five miles hqme to get them. Or she's scuffed her shoe. Or it's either damp or windy and her hair-do is coming down. Husbands seethe like one of the lower levels of Dante's Inferno. I can bear the wedding service, and even get a kick out of it, remembering how spartan ours was. But then comes the blasted reception, usually about 15 miles from the church, following a map that was not designed by a great cartographer. I've known people who wound up 30 miles away from the reception, because they took a wrong (or right) turn. , Why don't young people, most of whom have already lived in sin for a spell, just go off and get married at the manse, with a couple of witnesses? It would save their parents a great emotional and financial stress, and they'd be just as married. Everyone who is invited could send a cheque, and save them a lot of emotional and financial stress, and the nearbreakup nearbreakup of marriages that have lasted for over three decades. I'd welcome answers to this problem. Letters to the - ' - l -• V. A I am the I Oct. 16. 1982. Mr. John James, Editor, Newcastle Independent, Bowmanville, Ont. Dear John At Ihe Oct. 14, 1982 meeting of the School Board a discussion discussion was held concerning Teacher absenteeism somewhat appalled at actions recommended appreciate that certain specific information would have been covered at the committee level but the overall overall approach seems off base. 'The idea of posting individual individual teacher absence records on Ihe staff bulletin board is repulsive, Surely such information information should lie considered (on an individual basis) confidential confidential and not available for . general consumption. What effect would that have on staff morale? Would it really contribué contribué to resolving the problem? Would you appreciate appreciate having personal records posted at your workplace? 1 think not. I am sure the problem is recognized by Ihe profession and they are likely anxious to see improvement on teacher attendance as well. It is the type of problem that requires cooperative input from all parties. My intent is not to defend Ihe teaching profession for they arc quite^apable of doing that themselves. What does concern me is the $500,000 allotted to pay supply teachers during such absences. Taxpayer's Taxpayer's money. Money many teachers desperately need to buy supplies and materials to help them do their job. The taxpayer should also be concerned concerned about Ihe effect such personnel policies might have on teacher motivation and the resultant impact on our children. What efforts are being made to determine the cause of the problem? Do some of our teachers have problems for which professional help is required? Is the problem being intensified by board policies? What percentage of absenteeism stems from actions of management? Have we really made an honest effort to gel to Ihe bottom of Hu; issue? Make no mistake, t do not believe there is any room in the school system for teachers unwilling to carry out their responsibilities. An absent Teacher directly affects the quality of education provided to our children. Such individuals, individuals, once properly identified, identified, would be terminated. It is wrong, however, to sweep all teachers with the same broom as might be suggested by the board's recommendations. recommendations. I firmly believe a more positive approach is required by the board. Involvement of billh Teachers and Management Management is required to bring about success in reducing absenteeism. Willi $500,000 of taxpayers' money at stake a high ' priority should be afforded Ihe matter. Yours truly Bob Willsher Dear Friend of Unicef: Again, this year over one million Canadian youngsters across Canada will be "Trick of Treating" for UNICEF on Hallowe'en night, With your help, the contributions contributions they collect will fund UNICEF self-help programs in 111 countries, protecting the lives of approximately 500 million children around the world. Our Ontario goal this year is $600,000! ! Your support of UNICEF's vital Hallowe'en fundraising campaign is essential to its success. By using the enclosed publicity materials, from October 18 - October 31, you will be alerting Ontarians everywhere to be ready to- assist UNICEF's young canvassers canvassers on Hallowe'en night. UNICEF has achieved so much in the past with your help - we hope that we can count on your support again this year! Thank you. Sincerely yours, Judy Hobbs, Information Coordinator Ontario Unicef Committee Dear Editor We wondered How long it would lake before there would be a nasty reply to a Mrs. Hass' letter. It took longer than we thought. In fact I had a bet with my husband on just how long it would be, he won: When my husband and I read how oui' representative voted in regards to the two men who were forced to resign, we were very surprised. surprised. We were led to believe that this was what the men wanted, but after seeing more information this is not the case at all. We are glad there are people who will keep us informed as to what this Council has done, goodness knows you can't get a straight answer from most of them on that Committee. We did notice Mrs. Hass had belief in her own conviction to sign her name. That says a lot about the [Xiople who wrote that silly letter to the Editor. They didn't sign their names. Keep up the good work Mrs. Hass, we need more people who will dig for the true facts. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlee. Dear Sir: I would like to congratulate you on your excellent editorial on the Everest expedition. Personally, 1 would have taken the criticism a few steps further, I would have asked why Canadian Pacific (or was it C'N?) squandered millions in sponsoring the project. I would have questioned the value of attaining national recognition at the cost of 3 Sherpa 's and 2 Canadian climbers' lives. And I would have asked why the money spent by the sponsors, the enormous costs of reporting and filming the climb, and the great personal costs of those involved could not have been invested in some more meaningful meaningful and worthwhile application. application. But then, as we all know, providing jobs for the unemployed, unemployed, buying food for the elderly poor, and providing services for single parents near the poverty line are all insignificant when compared with the prestigious value of sticking a Canadian flag on top of some damn great hill in Tibet, Respect fully, Alan Tibbies The Canadian Statesman Advertising Deadlines Display -Tues. 4:00 p.m. Classified- Tues. 12:00 noon