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Scugog Citizen -- Tuesday, Soy. 18,1993 -- 9 _- "LETTERS TO EDITOR Fi Don't under-estimate our resolve . Togthe Editor: The following is an open letter to Mr. Richard Kennedy, President, Local 793, International Union of Operating Engineers. As President of the Scugog Citizens' Organization for the Preservation of the Environment (SCOPE), I am writing you concerning your plans to construct a crane and construction equipment training institute in the Marsh Hill area of Scugog Township. As you are aware SCOPE has actively opposed your proposed institute for the * last 25 months. We have done so, not because we are anti-union or against development, but we honestly believe the training operations have no place in a peaceful, agricultural community. The operation of heavy construetion equipment will create excessive noise and cause potential health problems related to dust and emission pollution. SCOPE is an environmental group and is very concermred about maintaining the health and vitality of the Marsh Hill Wetland. Your proposed institute poses a very real threat to the Class 1, Environmentally Protected Beaver River Wetland Complex. In addition, the most recent site plab shows that your Union intends ty effectively destroy Blue Mountain, the most important natural feature in Marsh Hill. The residents of this community are angry with this plan as what is now a pleasant, idyllic panorama visible from all over the district, will become an eyesore of moving machines, gaping craters and erosion scars. There are now over 100 signs of protest posted on the properties of® residents. A major protest meeting took place Sunday, May 16, at the Greenbank Community Hall. All of this reaction is unfortunate. It has been our hope that once your Union became aware of the fact that their institute was not welcome in Marsh Hill, another site would be chosen-one that did not threaten a W.tland or cause a major dislocation to the way-of- life of an established community. We are aware that Union officials have considered withdrawing and, in fact, did actually do so on one occasion. We dlso know from various sources that other sites in Milton and the Kingston area were being considered. It is our understanding that these alternatives were less expensive to purchase and did not require the costly construction of berms, acoustical barriers, etc. as mitigation measures to control noise, dust and toxic emissions. . We were recently advised that your Mr. Walsh was contacted regarding a site in Tiny Township near Midland that is cheaper and has no environmental concerns. The > prospectus submitted was evidently very comprehensive and guaranteed all necessary zoning would be in place for construction of your institute to start in late May or early June. Frankly as there are attractive alternatives, our residents are unable to understand why the Operating Engineers are persisting with their efforts to force the training institute on our community. We expect that by the time you receive this letter you will have received a letter from the legal firm engaged by SCOPE requesting the decision of Durham Region to amend the Official Plan be referred to the Ontario Municipal Board(OMB). The same action will be taken should the Scugog Township Council grant your zoning change application. We regret we have been forced to take this action. Referral to the OMB is costly to us, your Union, the Region and to Scugog Township. It is also a lengthy process and we are sure the delay is not welcome to your Union. I can assure you we are also concerned as the prospect of spending another 16 or 20 months in uncertainty is an unpleasant prospect. SCOPE and the residents of Marsh Hill earnestly and respectfully request the Union of Operating Engineers to reconsider building their training CITIZEN Snap Of THE Week The Third Port Perry Brownies helped make it look a little more like spring by planting flowers at the Scugog Memorial ~~. Public Library on May 11. Angela Taylor (left) and Emma Shapard of Port Perry decided to double up to get the job done. institute in Marsh Hill. The Union has a well-earned reputation for being a good corporate organization presently contributing to the welfare of the communities of Stouffville and Leaside. Your Union may eventually receive all the approvals necessary to build the training institute but the pertinent questions remain, Can your Union Officers jus the spending of still more tfieney on the chosen site? Do they really want to put the Union's repu fon at risk by forcing their projec on a hostile, "resentful community that will keep the training operations at the institute under constantggritical observation? The signs throughout the community are a firm statement of the resolve of the Marsh Hill residents. It would be a" serious mistake to under-estimate the determination of our community to take? every legal means available to oppose the training institute's project. Any contrary advice, being given to you by the land owner and/or local officials, should be carefully weighed as to their motives and dependability. Yours sincerely, James E. Byers, President, SCOPE. Women should not put up with ignorance To the Editor: 1 am speaking for a large majority of Canadian women who raise their children on their own with little or no help. This letter is for those people who need to open their eyes and hearts, put aside their frustrations, anger, blame and sheer ignorance. Many working mothers, those who have worked and experienced all sides, those who have been on mother's allowance, or are on it now, they not only have to live on a tight budget, but have to put up with ignorant, un- educated and narrow-minded remarks which judge them by their financial status. These people cannot see anything else but how the economy is hurting their own pockets and sometimes their greed for material gain. They want somebody to blame. Before you open your mouth, take a peek at the other side you have not had the luck to experience. These women are raising children that thousands of selfish, un-caring men have easily left behind. There are millions of dollars that the support and custody branch has been trying to bring to these women and children: to cover their expenditures. These men were partners in creating these children, and in a relationship or marital commitments that they don't want to carry their share of responsibility. These women not only play mother, father and even grand-parent in loving, caring, nurturing and raising, they give their children what only they can give. They also have no emotional support in dealing with life's daily stress. Even with the demands this society places on them, they carry out this responsibility out of love for their children and respect fog gtheir commitment and love. The few who make mistakes should not be used to judge the majority. Before throwing stones, look in your own mirror, you were not made perfect, either. To the man in Port Perry, visiting from his Oshawa business, who was loudly enjoying his boast of just buying a new boat, he should think before opening his mouth. He plained how his b is making less money and how these women have so much so easy. He should not blame his problems on these women, he should blame a suffering economy and his own blatant greed. -- The programs offered to re-train people require money for all kinds of expenses (transportation, baby-sitting) These programs are not as opportune as the publicity suggests. Many are rejected because of government cut-backs, age, health and various other reasons. Many are not geared to what an individual can do or are even interested in, not to mention the lack of employment opportunities after these courses. The emotional insecurity, lack confidence and self esteem to re-enter a prejudicial society with no insurance of job security is what these women face. Supermom is a ridiculous myth presented by an over-powered society that is quickly deteriorating. Finally, no, I am not on M/A any longer. Thank you. M. McDonald, Scugog Township. UN rules on French only sign legislation To the Editor: The United Nations has ruled that Quebec's language legislation violates individuals rights and freedoms. . The 1988 decision to use Bill 178 to over-ride the Charter of Rights and Freedoms has now been finally condemned for what it is--a very oppressive piece of legislation. Bill 178 bans the use of languages other than French on almost all outdoor commercial signs in Quebec. Petitioned two years ago by funeral home director Gordon McIntyre of Huntington, Que., the U.N. ruled the sign law's restrictions infringe on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which says: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive 'and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. Sincerely, Dean Kelly, President, Assoc. Dedicated Canadians, Port Perry.