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6 Independent & Free Press,Thursday, October 14, 2010 OPINION Child's play? Under the letters to the editor banner on this page is a plea from local high school student Michelle Duquette, urging residents to cast a ballot in the upcoming Oct. 25 municipal election. We don't know if Michelle is old enough to vote, but if she is, it will be the first time she is eligible to cast a ballot. Despite her tender years she clearly recognizes the importance of casting a ballot, something only 31.6 per cent of Halton Hills eligible voters chose to do in 2006. With a dearth of all-candidates meetings this election (there is one slated for Oct. 18 at Christ the King Secondary School featuring the two Catholic school board hopefuls), finding out where candidates stand on the issues has been more difficult. Inside today's edition we offer you four pages of profiles on the 19 candidates running locally. Voters are also encouraged to check out the candidates' websites (if they have them) and to read their literature, and ask them questions when they come door-knocking. The fact you-- the voter-- may have dig a little bit to find out where the candidates stand on issues near and dear to your heart is certainly no excuse not to vote this time. Neither is the fact there are no "highprofile" races, such as one for the mayor's seat or regional chair. When it comes to town issues-- and there are a slew of them coming down the pike over the next four years-- it is imperative that as many residents as possible have a say in how the town's future is shaped. Each resident can have that say by simply casting a ballot. It's disturbing to think that the town's future could be, and has been, shaped by a large minority of the town's voting populace. Get out and vote-- it's a message even a child understands. 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@independentfreepress.com) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@independentfreepress.com) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@independentfreepress.com) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@independentfreepress.com) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@independentfreepress.com) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@independentfreepress.com) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@independentfreepress.com) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@independentfreepress.com) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@independentfreepress.com) WEB POLL RESULTS Have you already decided who you will be voting for in the Oct. 25 municipal election? · Yes (68%) · No (12%) · I won't be voting (18%) Steve Nease Go to www.independentfreepress.com Letters to the editor Teen laments lack of voters Dear editor, Over the past few weeks I have noticed signs around town promoting the candidates running for different positions within Halton. With the municipal election fast approaching, I asked my parents who they were going to vote for, and to my dismay, I found that neither of them were voting. After some research, I learned that only a meagre 35 per cent of the population participates in their municipal elections. Yet I can assure you, the vast majority of Georgetownians have been quick to voice their opinions about road conditions or crowded classrooms within our schools, for example. People are quick to complain, but quite slow when they are presented with an opportunity to do something about it-- like the election. We are all given the freedom to speak our mind through voting, and it's a shame that more of us do not seize this opportunity. I feel that it is of great value for our citizens to participate in municipal voting and support our town in the upcoming election. Michelle Duquette, Grade 12 GDHS student Strangers thanked Dear editor, On September 17, I was out on my scooter when I accidentally tipped it over. I was crossing over Maple Avenue at the crosswalk to Holy Cross Catholic School. Fortunately, I was not hurt. I would like to thank the individuals who stopped and helped me. I apologize that I did not get any of your names. I want to let you know that I am all right and I really appreciate your help and kind words. Thank you very much. Janet Herrington, Georgetown Letters to the editor policy Letters must include an address and daytime telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Students should `take responsibility' Dear editor, During the Georgetown Fall Fair we had a booth to advertise our gymnastics. On the Saturday night, we packed up early as the rain set in. After we left, eight teenagers used our tent for shelter and all sat on our plastic folding party table breaking it beyond repair. Along with a fair organizer, we spoke with one of the Christ the King students responsible the next day and it was agreed that he would collect money from the other students (all were from CtK we were told) and would replace the table. They've now reneged on replacing the table. It baffles our minds that these students have not followed through, that their parents are not teaching responsibility and that one parent turned it around on the organizer, causing stress and guilt to her after her attempt to help. After Halton Police instructed us that we could quite easily file a claim to force the purchase through the teens, we've decided not to do that but would appreciate very much that the eight students from CtK take responsibility and replace our folding table. Jenn Unsworth and Patricia Murphy Co-owners, Cartwheels Gym Centre Inc. 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