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6 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, May 31,1994 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" or FE pr PORT PERRY STAR <i TORIAL Editorial Comment Charitable Actions Great strides have been made con- cerning a controversial gaming facility on Scugog Island. ~ The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the local native group, has plans to build and operate a charitable gaming facility on its property. This facility would be a 25,000-square foot building featuring bingo and Monte Carlo-style games such as Keno, Black Jack and Roulette. Money generated from the facility would be used for not only native projects such as housing, education and elders projects, but a portion of the proceeds would be turned back into the community to benefit local groups such as the library and the hospital. In summing up the debate of the last couple of weeks, Chief Gary Edgar noted the charitable gaming facility, which will inject money back into the community, will benefit the whole community. A foun- dation, which will include both native and non-native members will oversee the sharing of the funds. Although these plans have been known for some time, (Chief Gary Edgar re- vealed plans last September in the Port Perry Star), it has been a controversial is- sue recently as a number of groups have come out in opposition of the plans. In order to supress some of the fears expressed by these groups and clarify the situation, Durham East MPP Gord Mills chaired a meeting on Friday at the First Nation's facility. Federal, provincial and municipal officials as well as the chief of police and representatives from the First Nation were in attendance. As necessary as this meeting was, this meeting should never had occurred. This controversy should not have been al- lowed to take on a life of its own as it has done in the community over the past few weeks. The First Nation allowed information, some right, some wrong, to get out into the community before having all its de- tails in place and allowing rumors to spread. The public is just as guilty for reacting to the venture and expressing opposition before it knew all the facts. We have all learned from this affair. The best way to settle any dispute and put minds at ease is to sit across the ta- ble and provide open and honest an- swers in a civilized manner, This has been achieved. Hopefully no irreparable damage was created while this affair was occurring. (fd > ----~------ - --_---- 3 ------ ea HEY, WE REALLY oo HouLd BF FACING ME Same WAY, DON'T You THINK? JEP --_ ET Re, Te "poig. = ni I ETTERS Opinions are offered with contempt and scorn To the Editor: I would like to make a few general comments on some Letters to the Editor which appeared in the Tuesday, May 17, 1994 edition of your paper. Specifically, I am referring to comments by Misters Al- dred and Edmiston. Their comments ap- pear to be little more than thinly dis- guised contempt and scorn for the opinions and rights of others. Both authors have somehow made the erroneous leap from "charitable gaming facility" to "gambling facility" and "casi- no." This leap, on their part, appears to be an attempt to cause polarization in the community. The leap from "casino" to "a dump at Young and Bloor" is irra- tional ranting in my opinion. I don't be- lieve that either author has inside infor- mation that would provide evidence for their erroneous conclusions. Many com- munities have already established char- itable gaming facilities, more commonly referred to as Bingo halls. Do these gen- tlemen disagree with other community based organizations raising funds through Bingo for worthwhile charities? Mr. Edmiston suggests such a facility would "change the community forever." Scugog Island is the community of who live there, not just the "old timers." A Turn to Page 7 Random Jottings | by J. Peter Hvidsten THANK TO OUR VOLUNTEERS The sports and recreation scene seems to be alive and well in Scugog Township. Port Perry arena was jammed with young hockey players Saturday afternoon for their annual awards banquet, more than 600 kids have registered for soccer this summer, local baseball dia- monds are already buzzing with activity as minor and adult leagues get underway, the tennis courts are being refurbished in pre- paration for a busy season, and registration or this summer's daycamp and swimming programs was brisk on the weekend. Scugog is indeed fortunate to have such a variety of sporting activities available for our youth, and those who volunteer their time to help organize and operate these events are owed a debt of gratitude by the community. This week we tip our hat to those volun- teers who spend so many hours, week in and week out, coaching, teaching and guid- ing our local youth to become good sports and good citizens! LET'S WORK TOGETHER A meeting was held last week between representatives of the Scugog Island Miss- issaugas and various local, provincial and federal government officials about a pro- posed charitable gaming facility on First Nation Land. The outcome indicates a gaming facilit will be built, regardless of the desires of the rest of Scugog Township. While that may be a bitter pill to swallow for many, the fact the First Nation do not have to answer to local authorities for building permits, site plans, or develop- ment on their land means the township is powerless and there is no sense wasting a ot of energy fighting the project when nothing can be gained. If a gaming facility is to be built, and it appears as if it will, it would be far better for the local authorities and organizations to work with Chief Gary Edgar and his peo- ple towards making it as positive a venture as possible for the entire community. Chief Edgar has indicated a willingness to work with the community and share the revenues generated at the gaming facility. As a charitable operation the revenues will go into a trust foundation and be distribut- ed to local organizations and projects by a board which includes three (non ative) members of Scugog Township in addition to native representation. While there is little doubt some problems will arise, including increased traffic which may require traffic lights at the head of the Island, the best thing to do now is to work together to make it as problem free and beneficial as possible. I would expect that there are hundreds of local residents who don't like the idea of a gaming facility this close to home. In fact 'm one of those. But I'm also realistic and favor makin the best of this situation, rather than mak- ing the situation worse. If we work together a charitable gaming facility on Scugog Island will produce some - benefits for the entire community. But if there's a bitter fight, which splits the community, the chance of a positive out- come will never be realized. At least that's how I see it! LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Th e Port Perry Star encourages its readers to make use of the letters to the editor column to express their opinions and viewpoints on just about any subject, as we feel a lively letters column will help make this a better community newspaper. We insist, however, that all letter writers sign their name and include a phone number for verification. Sorry, anonymous letters will not be published unless The Star believes it to be in the best interest of the public. We also reserves the right to edit letters with respect to their length, content or libelous comments. IT AR TR