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6 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,March 29, 2011 OPINION Main St. problem Halton Regional Police's announcement last Thursday that 22 people had been charged in a Halton Hills-wide drug sweep should be a wake-up call to every resident that drugs ARE a real problem in this municipality. Project "Main Street" was initiated because of complaints from citizens, along with Halton Hills Criminal Investigations Bureau detectives noticing an increase in crimes associated with drug use. Police seized $49,000 in drugs, six vehicles, a replica firearm and several prohibited weapons. Drugs seized included marijuana, crack cocaine, cocaine, ecstasy, MDMA, amphetamines and various prescription drugs. Police executed eight search warrants, during which one cannabis resin extraction lab and marijuana grow operation were dismantled. No community, no matter how small, is immune to the scourge of illegal drug use. If you believe illegal drug use is something that only happens in "big cities" you are living with your head in the sand. Drug use isn't limited to the shabbilydressed punk kid down the street. As these arrests show, alleged drug use was not limited to a particular age group or demographic. That is why it is incumbent upon each and every citizen to report to the police any suspicions you may have about someone using or selling illegal drugs. The use of illegal drugs is bad enough, but it also leads to an increase in various other criminal activity. We will never be completely rid of drug use in our community, but with civilian vigilance and proactive action by our local police service, perhaps it is possible to ensure this blight on society doesn't worsen. 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 Do you think a federal election is necessary at this time? · Yes (44%) · No (54%) · Undecided (2%) Steve Nease Go to www.independentfreepress.com Letters to the editor Volunteers needed for CAShh campaign Dear editor, Every April volunteers go door-todoor in Georgetown asking for donations to support Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills (CAShh). As a recipient of their services since 2006, I can tell you from first-hand experience how lucky we are to have this service in Georgetown. This service is here to help residents of Halton Hills with practical things to help them cope with their cancer journey. Recently their volunteers drove me to Princess Margaret Hospital every day for a week to receive radiation treatment. My dad now has cancer and they are driving him too. I don't know what we would do without CAShh. When I tell people about the services I receive they are astonished because people who live in other communities are not so fortunate. We have these services in our community because of the generosity of our residents both with time and money. This April volunteers will be going door-to-door asking for donations. This is CAShh's major fundraiser. For the past few years I have canvassed and last year many of my friends helped me. This year I am scheduled to receive a new weekly chemo in April. I know I will be too sick to canvass. This really saddens me. I am reaching out to ask if you can take a route. If lots of people volunteer every person would just have to do a small route. Maybe you could canvass your street or part of your street? Every bit will help. You have all of April to complete your route. Let's make this the best canvass ever. Please contact the Cancer Assistance Services office at 905-702-8886 if you can help out in any way. Susan Nagle, Georgetown jazz music, the singers and the large number of actors, all of whom really got into their parts enthusiastically. We left feeling the future of the performing and culinary arts in Halton Hills is in good hands. Laurent Thibault, Georgetown Bell ringing no `game' Dear editor, I am writing regarding some kids in the area playing "Nicky nine doors" on my street-- essentially ringing someone's doorbell and running away. I live behind a plaza in Georgetown South and I, along with some other neighbours, are constant victims of this "game." At first it was just kids being kids and thinking they are bored and this is their fun. Well, now it is getting on my last nerve. Apparently I can call the police for this as it is disturbing the peace and trespassing. I might have to start making calls if it does not end. The kids who are doing it are a small group of middle school-aged boys on bikes. Parents, if your sons are out on their bikes with their friends around 4:30 p.m. in the Metro plaza area explain to them their behaviour is extremely inappropriate and may get them into trouble. S. Archdekin, 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. GDHS show a treat Dear editor, My wife and I recently attended the GDHS Mystery Dinner Theatre in the newly renovated theatre. What a treat that was, and the best value we received for $10 in a long time. The food prepared by the food school was excellent. The play entirely created by the students and teachers of the drama department was fun and imaginative. The talent on display was impressive, including the very cool The Independent & Free Press The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.