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SECTION TWO WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18,1990 . W Canadian Statesman Durham Region's Great Family Journal Established 136 years ago in 1854 © Alsb'lncorporating ■ ■ The Bowmanville News MA The Newcastle Independent The Orono News Second Class mail registration number 1561 Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited 62 King Street West, Bowmanville, Ontario L1C3K9 416-623-3303 Fax 416-623-6161 cn John M. James Editor - Publisher Richard A. James Associate Publisher Peter Parrott Associate Editor Brian Purdy Advertising Mgr. Donald Bishop Plant Mgr. All layouts and composition of advertisements produced by the employees of James Publishing Company Limited are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Subscription Rates Six Months --$11.00 One Year--$20.00 Foreign -- $60.00 per year Although every precaution will be taken to avoid error, The Canadian Statesman, accepts advertising In #6 columns on the understanding that It will not be liable tor any error In the advertisement published hereunder unless a proof of such advertisement Is requested in writing by the advertiser and returned to The Canadian Statesman business office duly signed by the advertiser and with such error or corrections plainly, noted In writing thereon, and in that case H any error so noted Is not corrected by The Canadian Statesman its liability shall not exceed such a portion of the entire cost of such advertisement as the space occupied by the noted error bears to the whole space occupied by such advertisement. Local Business Supports BHS Centennial Editorial Comment Knee Jerk Reaction to Consultants' Studies If you want to know where the tax dollars go, you might take a look on the shelves of your government offices. You will find them filled with reports reports -- expensive documents that seldom seldom cost less than the price of a new car. Regardless of the level of government government in question, special studies and reports are commissioned at the drop . of a hat. Now, we would agree that when the price of these studies is considered as a percentage of a total budget, the cost may not seem high. Nevertheless, the three latest studies studies announced for the Town of Newcastle Newcastle have a total price tag that is creeping creeping awfully close to $200,000. And that's a fairly large piece of change in any league. There is, for example, the $119,000 recreation master plan study announced announced by the Town of Newcastle last week to chart the course of future recreational recreational and cultural developments in the Town. Then, there's a $22,000 Ontario government government grant for a housing study in this municipality. And, finally, we have a $50,000 study for the Bowmanville Bowmanville waterfront which is also being bankrolled by the provincial government. government. (Looks like it could be an election election year, folks.) These are probably not the only studies which will be undertaken this year. And the commissioning of this sort of research is repeated annually. Of course, the subjects change. Maybe these particular studies are needed. But, then again, maybe they are not. You see, governments commission studies almost by reflex. And that means there must be a lot of them which are not the least bit necessary. And, it's a little sad to see tax dollars going towards reports which will do little more than gather dust or serve as doorstops. There are some very good reasons why governments commission reports and hire consultants. The best reason is, of course, because of the fact that outside experts can provide good advice advice about topics on which a government government or local staff has limited knowledge. knowledge. But, in our experience, a study is not always used for that purpose. A report by a consultant is particularly particularly useful because it allows a govern- Thoughts on Earth Day Hermit, the frog, probably said it best when he observed: "It's not easy being green." Earth Day, which will be held on April 22, has been in existence for about 20 years. But this is the first year, in our recollection, that the day has received widespread exposure. People other than lifelong followers of the environmental crusade arc showing showing their true colors and that color is decidedly green. We wonder, however, if the majority of Canadians are quite ready for the greening of society. It seems generally understood today that the environmental crisis is not the result of big industries and big business or electrical utilities. It's the result of our own consumer society which demands vast amounts of now products and, in the process of. doing so, produces acid rain, toxic chemicals, holes in the ozone layer, and nil of the other environmental nastiness which we arc so well aware of. But, there has been n silver lining to the cloud of pollution hanging over North America and Canada. That has been a lifestyle which, if measured in terms of dollars and consumer goods,, has boon uncqunlcd in tho history of mankind. Tho question that must bo answered answered in tho noxl decade is this: IIow much of that prosperity will wo trade away for a groonor environment? _ In tho past few years, most responsible responsible citizens lrnvo been doing their part to recycle and re-use. But it's questionable whether this effort is of anything more than symbolic value. It is groat to see olomontnry school classes recycling their aluminum pop cans because such a project is an ex- " *' % ■ .. '• X ftT: i „ • ■ ment to consider a controversial topic without taking direct responsibility for the final set of recommendations. If Mr. X, a town councillor, introduces introduces a certain idea, he can lose the next election if that idea is lambasted by the public. But, if a hired consultant consultant offers the same suggestion, the elected officials can shrug off any criticism criticism by saying: "Well, that's only the suggestion of a consultant. We certainly certainly don't have to implement the idea." Conversely, if the idea looks like it will be popular, elected officials can take credit. By now, you may have already already noted another flaw in the gov- emment-by-consultant scenario. Anything Anything that the consultant proposes on the basis of his or her professional judgement can be hammered out of shape by the political process. And, if that's the case, why worry about hiring hiring a consultant in the first place. When it comes down to nitty-gritty reality, politicians are going to make decisions . based on their political hunches and not the findings of experts. experts. Governments could save themselves a potfull of cash by skipping the three- volume reports and by moving immediately immediately to the political arena, i It also seems to us that by commissioning commissioning outside agents to conduct studies, studies, government is selling itself short. Our local town hall has all kinds of talent on staff which would be capable of putting together recommendations. Local staff also .have the advantage of knowing their community better than the experts who are hired for one specific assignment and usually come from out-of-town. In the final analysis, the recommendations recommendations of consultants are usually a matter of common sense. Consultants seldom tell a municipality anything that it does not already know. Instead of engaging outside experts, government should rely on its own staff, its elected officials and (it goes without saying) the advice and input of the public at large. Naturally, one would hope that such work would not lead to the hiring of a brigade of additional additional staff to cope with the extra workload. We're tempted to propose such a course of action to Newcastle's Town Council. But, they'd probably want to launch a special study to consider the suggestion. suggestion. The Bowmanville High School Reunion Committee continues to receive donations donations from business people from around the area. Pictured above, Brad Hockin (left) accepts a donation from his father Ken on Monday, April 9. If you haven't re- . ceived your registration form for the June 22-24 reunion, you can pick one up here at The Statesman. Don't forget, the reunion isn't for just the graduates, it's for all former students. Seeking Solutions to Port Granby Waste Siting Task Force Enters Third Phase of Program by Lisa C. Brown Low-level radioactive wastes have been generated generated and stored over the past 50 years in various locations across Ontario, including Port Granby. Between 1956 and 1988, 360,000 cubic metres metres of low-level radioactive radioactive waste from the Eldorado Eldorado plant were stored at Port Granby which is located located on the Eastern border border of the Town of Newcastle. Newcastle. The storage site is located along the lake- shore which is protected only by bluffs which are now eroding. ■v-Waste ■ management practices from the past are no longer acceptable. Improved and responsible management must be created. As a result the Federal Government created the Siting Task Force in September September of 1988. The priority of the STF is improving the overall management of low-level radioactive wastes within Ontario. The STF is presently in phase three of its program, program, which involves Y . and consultation, There are three different different types of communities involved in this program; volunteer communities, access route communities and source communities. The Volunteer Committee Committee are municipalities which may volunteer to host a new facility, while Access Route. Communities Communities are those which are along transportation routes to the site. Source Communities are municipalities where the low-level radioactive wastes are currently located. located. The Tçu.vn of Newcastle Newcastle falls into this cate- ? ory due to the location of ort Granby. The first step in phase three involves the creation creation of Community Liaison Liaison Groups. These groups are made up of members of the municipality municipality who are nominated nominated by Town Council, community service groups and associations. The STF then reviews the nominations and conducts conducts phone interviews to determine the members. According to Laura Appreciation Week for Dedicated Bus Drivers cedent learning experience. But, it's unlikely that such an effort contributes contributes much towards a cleaner environment. environment. The environmental movement has sold the public on the idea that a few moderate sacrifices will save the world. But, if the problem is as bad as it is claimed to be, then the solution will bo a little more drastic than that. If so, recycling newspapers, weatherstripping weatherstripping the house, and using cloth rather than disposable diapers arc only symbolic steps in the right direction. direction. In some ways, the industrialized world is addicted to growth and consumption. consumption. As with any addiction, the solution may not be to cut down but to quit "cold turkey". And the implications implications of this possibility arc staggering. The federal government has already floated the idea of n special tax (yes, another one) to help fund environmental environmental protection. Will the public pny such a tax? Will those of us with two cars give up one of them for n donner environment? Will wo bo willing to live in houses half tho size of our current dwellings? Will wo settle for smaller incomes? All of those things nvo possibilities which must bo faced in order to nchiovo n liveable environment. Furthermore, if the problem is ns great ns the doomsnyors suggest, we may not lrnvo n choice but to accept major sacrifices in return for a liveable world. Coiling a clean environment is a little little moro difficult than observing Earth Day onco a year or using tho Blue Box for rocyclablos. It's not easy being green, Dear Mr. James; We at Charterways are pleased and excited to announce announce again this year, the week of Monday, April 23 to Friday, April 27 inclusive is Bus Driver Appreciation Week, and you are invited to attend. A contest has been held by the local schools for the children. Some wonderful drawings for a new lapel pin Every Day Can Be Earth Day As tho 20tho century nenrs its end, Mother Earth still feeds us, but for how long? Man can rape his Mother only so long, and then like nil organisms, she must expire. Is this tho wny wo'ro supposed to end? Wo enn reverse our demise demise if wo net now? Today! Every day is a chance to stop tho mndnoss of killing Mother Enrth. Cynicism is impotence. Inactivity is defeat. defeat. Every day can bo n TInp- ny Enrth Day", when everybody everybody makes a deliberate effort effort to: •• Reduce consumption » Reduce wnsto -- Refuse excess packaging packaging -Recycle, Ro-Educnto, Re-Think •• Reduce use of fossils fuels - Reduce electricity consumption consumption nntl wnsto - Reduce meat consumption consumption - Stop using harmful pesticides pesticides Stop breeding - Foster responsibility bo setting an example - 13o resourceful - Hold our politicians accountable accountable - Toll tho truth, however uncouth. Truly, Mendelson Joe design were submitted. A winner will be difficult to choose with so many entries. During the week, Charterways Charterways shows their drivers that they are all winners. Every morning there is free coffee, donuts and muffins; and on Friday there is a • luncheon. Tho news media, the public, public, tho teachers, principals, everyone is welcome to drop in to Charterways during tho week to meet the drivers, drivers, tho manager and the people behind the scene. Charterways believes our drivers display tho highest degree of safety and professionalism professionalism possible. Our drivers drivers are alert of situations around them nt nil times. They enjoy what they do and enro about kids. Wo nt Bowmanville Charterways Charterways would like to express express how grateful wo nro to nil our dedicated drivers for jobs well done. Betty Mowry Dispatcher Applause for B.H.S. Band Dear Sir: So often tho annual general general mooting of an organization organization cnn bo n dull event, but tho momboi'8 and guests of tho Big Sisters, Nowcnstlo - Oslmwn • Whitby brunch, will remember their A.G.M. ns n delightful evening, Tho Senior Wind Ensemble Ensemble of tho Bowmanville High School presented an excellent excellent programma of works by Beethoven, Bach. Handel and Mozart ns well as other selections which delighted the audience. I fool siiro that their conductor, conductor, Mr. Ron Parker, and these talented young people worked very hard to nchiovo such n lino porformnneo. Yours sincerely, Joan I Ifli Evans, a consultant with STF, "we wanted a broad representation of community community interests so that they reach a wider variety of interests." The Newcastle Community Community Liaison Group held its first meeting on April 10 at the Bowmanville Bowmanville Court Room. The committee consists of Mel Garland, Wolfgang Geiger, Bemie Hemming, Peter Fundarek, Jean Payne, Garnet Rickard, Stuart Watt, Gordon White and the CLG chairperson chairperson John Veldhuis. The main aim of the comipittee is to set up an information" program for the community and to learn the opinions of the community before any decisions decisions are made on their behalf. The committee will be holding information meetings as well as setting setting up a drop in office to allow as much access to information as possible. The committee will work with the STF in hiring hiring advisors and commissioning commissioning studies which will help the community understand understand the waste management management options and their potential impacts and costs. Paul Rennick, Chairman Chairman of the STF, feels that "the * community should be a partner in problem solving and decision decision making throughout the process." Eventually,the committee committee will work with the STF to develop detailed waste management Action Action Plans which will be presented to the municipal municipal council. Reaction to Plan Dear Editor: It has come to my attention attention that Ontario Hydro's new 25-year plan proposes increased hydroelectric generation generation along the Moose River. River. This plan could devastate devastate native communities and the environment. , Hydro Quebec's James Bay hydroelectric development, development, for example, has flooded flooded a vast tract of land in northern Quebec. It has poisoned poisoned reservoir fish and disrupted disrupted animal migration patterns. In 1984, 10,000 caribou drowned trying to cross the Caniapiscau River. We must stop our power utilities from causing more catastrophes. The power from more dams isn't needed because Canadians throw away a lot of energy. Canadians use more energy energy per capita and per unit of economic output than any of our main industrial competitors. competitors. We use almost four times the amount of electricity electricity to produce a dollar's worth of economic output ns does Switzerland, Denmark and Holland. Most of this inefficiency inefficiency is the result of the subsidies our governments provide to the electricity sec tor making the price of power power appear cheaper than it really is. According to The Canadian Canadian Green Consumer Guide prepared by Pollution Probe, up to a quarter of residential heating literally goes out the window. They say if you added up all the drafts and leaks in an average Canadian Canadian home, you'd end up with the equivalent of a windowsized windowsized hole in the wall! Energy analyst Amory Lovins says that 75% of our electric power could be saved by using technology available (G&M, Oct. 15/88, D4). Energy policy should be based on reducing demand by using energy more wisely rather than continually trying, trying, to find new supplies. Ontario Ontario Hydro's existing conservation conservation and efficiency program is only a small part of what they could be doing. Hydro has moved only so far with efficiency measures as not to "jeopardize" the need for new supply options (their favorite being nuclear). A study commissioned by the provincial NDP says that, with existing technology, technology, Ontario could easily save tne power equivalent of more than another Darling- ton-sized nuclear power plant. Even Ontario Hydro would agree that a kilowatt of new capacity saved equals at least a kilowatt of new capacity capacity added. Until our governments stop subsidizing power use ana require the electricity sector to pay its share of taxes taxes and until our utilities implement implement significant energy efficiency programs, our utilities utilities have no right to demand demand sacrifices of anyone's environment, least of all aboriginal aboriginal peoples' of the north. I urge fellow environmentalists environmentalists to preserve their river river system. For EARTH DAY 1990 (April 22nd), why not write to: Ontario Premier Peterson and Ontario Energy Energy Minister Lyn McLeod (Queen's Park, Toronto M7A 1A1); and Jake Epp, MP, Federal Energy Minister (House of Commons, Ottawa K1A 0A6)? It's good to tell them that aggressive energy efficiency remedies will forestall forestall the need for building more hydro dams, nuclear power plants and coal stations. stations. Yours truly, Anno Hansen Why is it that holidays are more fun when you're a kid? Is it because of the fact that when you are young, you don't nave to go to school on a holiday? Or is it because of tho stories behind some of our holidays which make tho occasion just n little more exciting? Holidays arc still enjoyable enjoyable for adults but they just don't have the same kind of fun. Look at Christmas for an example. Adults enjoy nil the sentiment of the season but kids have tho fun. Kids got to leave cookies, cookies, carrots and milk out for n fat man in a red suit. They got to go to bed on Christians Eve excited mid unable to sleep because because they are thinking about all tho presents they are going to find in tho morning. Thon, when llioy got up, they got to rip opon tlioir gills mid play with tho toys they like and ignore ignore tho ones they don't. Adults, on the other hand, have to pretend gifts that really don't suit their lifestyles are exactly what they wanted. And then there is Easter. Easter. Adults celebrate the sombre side of the holiday holiday and remember tho reasons for acknowledging acknowledging the day. But kids, while they may know why they have Friday off school, pretty much have only one thing on tlioir mind -- chocolate. chocolate. Kids got to think that a rabbit goes from house to houso hiding enndy for boys and girls to find. When my brother and I wore young, on Easter Sunday tho first thing wo used to do was look for our Easter Eggs. Tho hunt would load us throughout tho houso with clues given by mom tolling us if wo wore getting getting "warm" or if wo woro looking in tho wrong place. If I found something my brother hadn't 1 wouldn't tell him where I had found the treat. I'd make him keep looking. Once we'd found all the jelly beans, chocolate eggs and bunnies we'd eat a good portion of the loot before breakfast. This past weekend, I looked after my aunt's house and pets. Much to my surprise, I discovered Sunday morning that the Easter Bunny had bypassed bypassed her house. Nothing was left for her or me. When I went home later later in tho afternoon I discovered discovered that my house was the last on tho rabbit's rabbit's route. He must have been tired because ho left all the treats on my bed instead of hiding thorn around tho houso. It was funny but while I was eating tho chocolate tho only tiling I could think about was tho filling filling I got a few weeks ago nt tho dentist mid how much longer I would have to rido my exorcise bike that night. But tho sovon-year-old girl my family used to ba bysit had quite a different different Easter. Chantal decided that if she stayed at our house Saturday night, the Easter Easter Bunny would still find her. She said he would leave a few eggs for her at my house and the rest of the treats at her heme in Beaverton. When she ate the chocolate chocolate eggs and jellybeans we gave her for the holiday holiday she wasn't thinking about how it would affect lier waistline or about cavities in some of lier baby teeth. Tho only thing she was thinking about was what piece of candy she would cat next. Of the two of us, she had moro fun. I enjoyed tho weekend just as my parents and nor parents did. But tho only real fan I had came from hearing about Easter Easter and tho Easter Bunny through the lips of a sev- on-year-old and remembering remembering what it was like to bo missing my two front teeth.