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6 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,October 11, 2011 OPINION Post mortem So, as it turns out Ontario voters-- or those who bothered to cast a ballot in the most dismal turnout in the province's history (49.2 per cent)-- wanted just a little change. With a fragile economy hanging over their heads Ontario voters opted for the devil they know (Dalton McGuinty's Liberals) over the one they didn't (Tim Hudak's Progressive Conservatives). Hudak, who had more than two years to convince Ontarians he had a plan and was the man to deliver it, failed miserably. Voters were looking for an anti-Dalton and instead got Dalton-lite. That is why we have a minority government, bordering on a Liberal majority, today. This election was Hudak's to lose... and he did an admirable job. The fact the Tories picked up 12 seats is a hollow victory as vote-rich Toronto stayed Liberal red, with a touch of NDP orange. Carrying the 905 region is simply not good enough for the Conservatives-- again. Locally, the Liberals must be wondering what they have to do to make inroads in WellingtonHalton Hills. After virtual unknowns ran in the riding that encompasses Halton Hills in the past three elections--and failing badly-- they put forth Moya Johnson this time-- a well-respected Halton Hills councillor who was thought to provide a good challenge to incumbent Tory MPP Ted Arnott. Wrong. Johnson was little more than bug splatter on Arnott's windshield as he won by a margin of 23,503 to 11,326--a margin of more than 12,000 votes. Last time out he won by 8,200 votes. So the question remains: if the Liberals can't mount a serious challenge to the Tories here with a solid, high-profile candidate, what's their alternative next time out? As expected the NDP's Dale Hamilton was not a factor and the Green Party was given a stinging rebuke by seeing their vote total drop from 4,484 to 1,309-- the price for putting forth a candidate-- Raymond Dartsch-- who was more of an observer than participant. It's now back to the drawing board for many involved. 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@theifp.ca) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Letters policy Letters must include an address and daytime phone 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. Email: jmcghie@theifp.ca Steve Nease Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Letters to the editor Rules of the road apply to everyone Dear editor, A while back I read a letter regarding how motorcylists were complaining that people who drive cars have very little or no respect for them on the road. The man who wrote this letter was upset because he was cut off by a motorist and almost lost control of his bike, arguing the fact that there are road rules and that motorists should follow them in view of a motorcycle. There has always been a controversy regarding this issue and understandably so, however my husband and I were on the other side of this situation. Last month we were travelling on the highway going a respectable speed when, out of nowhere, there were three riders on sport bikes fast approaching all traffic and began to weave in and out of the lanes. They were passing in between cars, passing at high speed in between the two lanes. One bike almost took out a small sedan trying to change lanes. Going the speed he was he wobbled on his bike at which time I closed my eyes and waited to hear the crash. I thought he was going to lose control of his bike and lose his life, not to mention the family of four in the car he cut off. The point being is that motorists have every bit the same rights as riders do on the roads. I lost my cousin a week after his 19th birthday when a truck hit him while he rode his motorcycle. This is a reminder to all who operate any type of vehicle that those so-called "road rules" apply to us all. Drive and ride safe! Diana Ryder, Georgetown community. This program would not be possible without the contributions of all the individuals, community groups, churches, and businesses that generously provided financial donations, backpacks, and school supplies. We are very fortunate to have many wonderful high school students and adult mentors who volunteered their time to make the program run smoothly once again this year. This was our second year that we have offered the program and we have received very positive feedback from the families who were helped. They are very grateful that this program is available. School supplies and shoes are costly for these families, as they struggle to cover the cost of basic needs such as shelter and food. Links2Care's Backpack Program is a great way to help lower income children start off their school year in a very positive way. Thanks again for supporting this needed program! Cathy Gerrow Community Support Program Co-ordinator WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.independentfreepress.com) Do you think the Town is doing enough to attract business to the 401 Corridor? No (70%) Yes (30%) Backpack program aided 173 students Dear editor, In August and early September, Links2Care distributed backpacks to 173 students in Halton Hills. The backpacks were filled with school supplies and included gift cards so that new shoes could be purchased. The children who received the backpacks are from lower income families in our 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.