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4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, September 21,1994 Section Two A lackadaisical attitude towards guns by the criminal justice system is causing neighbourhoods to live in fear. We need not look any further than Oshawa's south-end in the aftermath of Roger Pardy's murder in Gagnon Sports to see tins. Some people are calling for an all out ban on all hand guns, and at first glance this may seem appropriate. However, a study of homicide statistics, statistics, and opinions of some law enforcers enforcers suggest that banning guns in the possession of people who legally own them - target shooters, hunters, collectors, etc. - isn't going to solve the violent crime problem. The legal gun owners are the people people who have gone through rigorous course and have had their guns registered. registered. They are the law-abiding citi- . zens. Admittedly there is some limited value in the investigative aspect of police work in having all guns registered. registered. But you can't justify registration relative to what it would cost to get • the guns registered. And really, what difference does it make in the case of domestic violence, violence, if a spouse is shot with a registered registered gun or unregistered one. For me the real problem is the way our criminal justice system treats people using guns-registered or not - in illegal acts. The criminal code calls for a one to 14-year consecutive sentence for the use of a firearm in an indictable offence. This section of the code is rarely used because it is plea bargained away by the crown prosecutor in the majority of cases. Secondly, I wish someone would give me an answer to this: Why does someone have to "actually" commit an offence in the first place. Why isn't simple possession of an illegal firearm an indictable offence? I have proposed to the Hon. Allan Rock, Minister of Justice, that the criminal code be amended to require a mandatory five-year-sentence for possession of an illegal firearm. This would enable our policemen and women to get on with cleaning up the vermin on our streets carrying guns. From page a im Waste Authority had enough people people riled up to get out to put then- names forward. Wards One and Two are the only wards where positions are being contested contested thus far. In Ward Three, incumbents Ann Dreslinski and David Scott have put their hats into the rings, and so far no one else. There have been rumors of Marie Hubbard and Sam Cureatz running in any number of positions. However, all we actually know right now is that Hubbard is still reviewing her options and Cureatz was in to pick up papers on Monday morning. (So, says the grapevine.) Some campaign signs are already appearing. It seems these signs can be put anywhere as long as they are not hindering traffic view at intersections. So, as we step closer to Oct. 14 when all candidates must declare their intentions , will the numbers swell to the last election when 45 candidates were in the running? Who knows for sure? We do know that you'd better register register early. And, remember not to send part of your paperwork by fax. You may recall that in the election three years ago, would-be mayoralty candidate John Winters attempted to fax some of his forms shortly before the nomination deadline and was ruled to not be eligible to appear on the ballot. ballot. They don't like faxed election forms at the municipal clerk's office! I also just want to touch on the purchase of ammunition. Right now all you have to do is walk into a store and present your visa and buy your ammo. Well, if we require gun owners to pass a firearms safety course we can also ask for the presentation of their gun permit before letting them buy bullets. In closing, what then is the message message our lax judicial system is sending sending out to the law-abiding public? Unless someone is shot or killed the message appears to be that illegal use of firearms is a misdemeanor at worst. If we want safer streets we have to focus on tightening up our criminal justice system as well as enforcing the laws already on the books. We must also protest the glorification glorification of crime in media. I will be working on these objectives objectives on your behalf. And, as always, if you have any views on this issue let me know. Bethesda House Deserves Support To the Editor: I have been following Bethesda House's progress or lack thereof through the articles in your paper. Although Although I have not attended at Council meeting in connection with the above I find it rather sad that two or three groups for the same cause are at each other's throats constantly. After reading Laura Richards Outlook Outlook column on the concerns over a shelter for victims of spousal abuse I felt that a letter should be written. 1. It has been my belief that since day one this particular -group has repeatedly repeatedly stated it would be nonde- moninational and not connected with the Catholic Church. I am sick and tired of this being thrown up as a constant road block for a very worthwhile worthwhile project. 2. As Mayor Hamre so noted "the turf wars must stop". Then so be it, quit rehashing the same old concerns over and over again at council. Maybe Maybe these concerns are from different organizations every time, but nonetheless nonetheless the same old road blocks, and pass the re-zoning to allow Bethesda House to prepare for operation. 3. Mr. Pinheiro has repeatedly stated that the board has visited and discussed with other shelters the necessary necessary safety requirements and guidelines guidelines used to operate a shelter efficiently efficiently and safely. It seems to me, as reported in your paper, this organization organization has done extensive research, formed a corporation, bought the house and is willing to do the necessary necessary renovations to open this shelter by the end of the year. Finally, in Laura's column she says "On the surface the issue seems to be the location. However, the underlying underlying issue seems to be how the shelter will be run." In my opinion I totally disagree, the issue seems to me, is not how the shelter will be run, but who will run it. Put the ego aside and unite together so that a women's shelter in Clarington will be a reality not just another statistic. Beverly Ferguson Ganaraska Adventure Organizers Thank Dedicated Volunteers Dear Editor: Once again the Great Ganaraska Countryside Adventure has come and gone. Almost 3,000 people came from near and far to discover our beautiful Ganaraska. Over and over again our visitors complimented this community on its friendliness and its hospitality. They thanked us for opening our doors and sharing our rural rural lifestyle. I too would like to thank this community community and the almost 400 volunteers that made this event so special. The Turn to page 6 From page 1 year and advises that there are both federal and provincial subsidies available. The publisher has followed the ups and downs of research into every every promising new power, source from ethanol to methanol, hydrogen and diesel-electric. From a Canadian Canadian vantage point, he has no doubt natural gas is the route auto manufacturers, manufacturers, gas suppliers and governments governments should be pursuing. He has strong criticism for the Canadian government's refusal to promote natural gas over other fossil fuel as per its "energy neutral policy." policy." Utility companies which distribute distribute natural gas seem oddly ambivalent ambivalent as well, he noted. "The Canadian Natural Gas Association Association is doing a poor job merchandising merchandising this solution to our problem problem which is available now, available today." Helpard says the auto industry isn't focussed either. General Motors, Motors, for instance, has invested heavily heavily in electric car technology but not natural gas. However, as he noted during his speech to Lions, the auto industry in Canada is little more than a branch plant operation that takes its direction direction from either Detroit of Tokyo. World of Wheels was bom out of a growing demand for auto insider information with a Canadian slant, such as Canadian prices and how certain models perform in our harsher harsher climate. World Of Wheels was first launched in 1983 and is circulated across Canada to a readership of 124,000. The French version, Le Monde de l'Auto is put together by a separ ate production team in Quebec which caters to the substantially different different interests of a French audience numbering over 34,000. Helpard's latest venture is Canadian Canadian Auto World, which was started last year. This publication contains information and ideas of interest to To the Editor: Last Monday September 12,1994, was the day I got really excited about the pending Municipal election of November 14, 1994. I realized that all the work and commitment was worth the effort. Besides, it is an honour honour to serve your community. "I realized that all the work and commitment was worth the effort...It is an honor to serve your community. " Last Monday, our Clarington Council chamber, in all its tradition and splendour was packed. There were many dignified guests, visitors and friends in the gallery. Former Mayor Marie Hubbard, John James, Honorary Chairman and A1 Strike the current Chairman of Skate '88 were there to address council. The room was filled with the many members of a committee who were there to honour honour their friend the late Garnet B. Rickard. They made their final contribution contribution to the Skate '88 Project and more importantly requested council to rename The Bowmanville Recreation Recreation Complex. What a fitting conclusion conclusion to rename the project, "The Garnet Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex" in his memory. I felt a quiet sense of pride to have been a small part of that team. As A1 Strike put it, "they were an enthusiastic enthusiastic committee with a vision". We can. and did built it together. those in the automotive industry. He plans to present a report entitled, entitled, "Living with a Natural Gas Vehicle" Vehicle" at the Biennial International Conference and Exhibition on Natural Natural Gas Vehicles to be held in Toronto Toronto on October 5th. It was at that very point, that I realized realized what a team, inspired by the right leadership and working together can accomplish. I looked around the council table and quickly reflected on the accomplishments of our council council and wondered, "can there be more after November 14, 1994?" Yes, I have seriously considered being a candidate for mayor. Now, I wonder if I should thank or avoid the many people who have asked me, "are you running for mayor?" I am humbled by the thought of even being being considered worthy to sit in the same chair once occupied by Garnet Rickard. However, after much reflection reflection and kind advice from friends, I have decided to put my name forward forward as Regional Councillor for Ward 2, Bowmanville. Let me say, "I have much to leam and prove before the next election." I was elected twice as a school trustee and moved to municipal council council in 1991.1 think two terms as local and regional councillor will allow me to prove myself worthy and effective. The people will make the final deci- ' sion if I am worthy of their support. I am announcing my candidacy for Regional Councillor for Ward 2, Bowmanville, in the Municipality of Clarington. I ask for your support now and on November 14th. Yours truly, John O'Toole Municipal Councillor Clarington. John O'Toole Seeks Re-Election As Ward Two Regional Councillor A few weeks back, the Toronto Sun carried a banner headline "Farmers "Farmers caught in NDP feud." This news 1 paper's writers must lay awake at night to think up things against our government. This story claimed that Ontario tobacco farmers have been forced into the crossfire of a ministerial ministerial feud. In this case the feud is alleged alleged to be between Health Minister Ruth Grier and Agriculture Minister Elmer Buchanan. The Sun alleges that while the health ministry undermines undermines the tobacco market, the agriculture agriculture ministry promotes it. The facts are that tobacco growers don't get any assistance from the province to grow tobacco that other farmer's don't get. The Ministry of Agriculture has staff who offer crop advice to all farmers and it is involved involved in crop insurance programs and farm income stabilization programs programs that are aimed at all farmers. Growing tobacco isn't illegal and tobacco tobacco growers are not discriminated against by the ministry. The Ministry offers advice on alternative crops to tobacco growers to assist them to move away from dependence on this crop. A move away from a crop that makes more money than anything else grown on the land of course is difficult. The legislation, Bill 119 which is designed to discourage smoking, especially especially among young people, doesn't do anything to farmers who grow tobacco. I guess though, I would be happy if the measures in Bill 119 were as effective as the tobacco industry seems to fear they will be in reducing the market for tobacco. But, the Toronto Toronto Sun story tells me just how desperate desperate they arc for material to attack our government. It must have been a real slow day for news! I have had a chat with OPP Inspector Inspector Don Beckett about the closing closing down of the Newcastle OPP Detachment. Detachment. Inspector Beckett commands #5 District with their HQ in Aurora which will now be responsible responsible for OPP policing in this area. He tells me it will be business as usual usual here, the only difference being the detachment office in Newcastle will be closed. He has asked me to forward forward along any concerns anyone has over the shift in command. The OPP are anxious to provide the same level of service here that we have come to expect. Inspector Beckett doesn't see any problems in doing that. If you have a problem, call my office in Bowmanville. Speaking of the police, perhaps I was just as astounded as you were to read that the head honcho of "Toronto's "Toronto's Finest" was considering following following his upcoming retirement, to seek a seat in the Ontario Legislature with Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution Group in order to "make ends meet!" From the statement made to the media it seems that the $109,000 retirement pension needs some bolstering. To Serve and Protect Protect takes on some new meaning, the way I sec and read it. The information leaflets I send out to keep people informed about issues arc all prepared electronically. They are placed in envelopes and stuck down all without human hands. Likewise, Likewise, the address, this is prepared and printed on the envelope also by computer. computer. All machines and computers are prone to error. None of us, nor is any machine perfect. Imagine my surprise then to get a letter of complaint from a constituent over receiving two leaflets leaflets in the same envelope and the waste of money involved! I guess I should be pleased,, things could have been much worse! The highlight of my time so far, as the MPP for Durham East happened on Saturday August 27th at Wilmot Creek. About 250 of the residents, gathered close to the shores of Lake Ontario in their community, on a beautiful afternoon, to make a presentation presentation to me in appreciation of my service to them as their MPP. The experience experience was overwhelming. As a politician who has gotten used to being being rebuffed in some quarters, and in others taken unpleasant rebuffs, in stride, this day will be one long remembered. remembered. My wife, who is totally un-political, was included in the presentation presentation in the nicest way. Our very sincere thanks go out to the Executive Executive Board of of Wilmot Creek Homeowners' Association for their arrangement of this very special day. Did you take in The Great Ganaraska Ganaraska Adventure a couple of weeks ago? If you missed it, don't miss next year's event at all costs. My favourite stop, if there can be a favourite since they are all great stops, was at the "Quinton House' situated on County Road #9 at Kendal. This English manor house on the Ganaraska River in a forest setting served English Cream Teas. My wife and I sat in the garden, by the babbling stream running running at the front of the house, while we enjoyed an English Cream Tea along with the best pot of tea we have tasted for years. I could have stayed for ever, it was that good. Until next week then - Nothing astonishes people so much as common common sense.